Massey expects Open Eagle to soar

Supreme Horse Racing Club owner Steve Massey believes Open Eagle will have no problems on his hurdles debut.

The Willie Mullins-trained runner is expected to get his first chance over fences this weekend at either Fairyhouse on Saturday or Punchestown on Sunday.

Massey has been impressed with what he has seen from Open Eagle and believes Mullins has got the runner in good shape before the weekend.

He was quoted by Sky Sports, saying: “Willie has given him plenty of time to settle in, it's a different environment and different gallops and everything so there's been no rush.

“He's got plenty of experience on the flat but it's different over hurdles.

“When Willie came to us and he told us there was a chance of buying him, we couldn't really believe it.

“He won the November Handicap like a class act but has also got plenty of stamina so I don't think two-and-a-half over hurdles will be a bother.”