BAR ONE RACING

HATTON’S GRACE HURDLE

(GRADE 1)

HIS form and official ratings put Arctic Fire in a different league to his opponents in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle and he produced a performance to match in a well deserved first triumph at the highest level.

Fresh from a comeback triumph in the Lismullen Hurdle, the 2015 Champion Hurdle runner-up had upwards of 19lb to spare over his six rivals with the result that he headed the market at 4/5. In truth his supporters seldom had a moment’s worry as the Soldier Hollow gelding took advantage of a gilt edged opportunity in style.

A patient Ruby Walsh bided his time on Arctic Fire who closed up menacingly to join Alpha Des Obeaux and Gwencily Berbas on the run to two out. The favourite needed only minimal encouragement to saunter clear between the last two flights and a safe jump at the last made sure of a smooth four-length victory. Alpha Des Obeaux ran a fine race on his comeback to secure second ahead of Gwencily Berbas.

“He did what he looked like he could do beforehand,” reflected Mullins. “He jumped well and when Ruby said go there wasn’t a moment’s worry bar he did something silly at the last. We’ll look at Christmas for him now and I’d say we’ll keep him at home for the Ryanair Hurdle over two miles at Leopardstown.

“I do think that there is more improvement to come from him as he is still a bit big. He probably could even get further than this two and a half miles but my concern with him going further is that he is quite keen which he was again today. It’s great for his owner Nick Peacock (Wicklow Bloodstock) as that’s his first Grade 1.”