Racing

Arctic Fire powers to victory at Fairyhouse

Long Day wins Novice Hurdle - a Grade One double for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins

Arctic Fire and jockey Ruby Walsh go onto win the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle during day two of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival. Photograph: PA
Arctic Fire and jockey Ruby Walsh go onto win the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle during day two of the Fairyhouse Winter Festival. Photograph: PA
Sun Nov 29 2015 - 15:55

Arctic Fire gained a well-deserved first Grade One win with an authoritative success in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Placed at the top level in the past behind such smart performers as his stablemates Faugheeen and Hurricane Fly, Arctic Fire followed up his Grade Two Lismullen Hurdle victory in style.

Ruby Walsh settled the 4-5 favourite towards the rear as Willie Mullins’ other runner Clondaw Court set the pace.

Alpha Des Obeaux went on before the second-last flight but Arctic Fire travelled strongly and cruised ahead before the final obstacle to score by four lengths.

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It was a quick Grade One double for Walsh and Mullins following Long Dog’s win in the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle.

Long Dog just edged out his stablemate Bachasson - the pair treated racegoers to a thrilling finish at the business end after Baily Cloud had made most of the running.

Walsh made the first move on Long Dog, but Paul Townend produced Bachasson at the final flight and the pair battled it out all the way to the line, with the 1-2 favourite getting the verdict by a neck.

Mullins said: “I thought Ruby got the run of the race and jumped well, whereas Bachasson didn’t jump or gallop as he can.

“I thought it was a huge performance from him in the circumstances.

“Maybe he just doesn’t handle winter ground. If they met again I don’t know which one would win.

“One or both of them can go to Leopardstown.”

Then in the third Grade One of the day No More Heroes put up a highly promising performance to land a clear-cut success in the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase.

The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old followed up his debut victory over fences at Punchestown a month ago in the style of a young chaser with a big future.

One of three horses owned by Gigginstown House Stud in the Grade One over two and a half miles, No More Heroes moved through the field to lead on the turn for home after stablemate Captain Von Trappe had set the pace with Shantou Flyer.

Jumping like an old hand, No More Heroes (13-8 favourite) put the race to bed in a matter of strides.

Monksland ran on nicely to claim second place, a never-threatening two and a half lengths behind the winner. Free Expression was third.

No More Heroes was cut to 5-1 favourite for the RSA Chase with Paddy Power and Betfred.