Arctic makes the most of his opportunity

Arctic Ambition was a fifth winning favourite from six races at Limerick this evening, as he claimed the FEXCO Asset Finance Handicap Hurdle.

Having got in as first reserve, the Gordon Elliott-trained eight-year-old was sent off the 5/4 market leader with Danny Gilligan aboard for the Go Go Go Partnership.

Settled in mid-division, he took closer order from three out and needed to be switched to the inner from the next.

Ridden to the front shortly after the last, he kept on well to score by three-parts-of-a-length from Tilloughna (12/1), who proved a difficult ride in the straight, in second.

The front-pair went 10 lengths clear of Dylan Lombardy (11/1) in third, while Who's Houdini (20/1) was another three-parts-of-a-length away in fourth.

"He is a grand horse and Danny gave him a lovely ride," Elliott said.

"It looked his race to lose but it is great he won it. We'll tip away over hurdles and fences during the summer and we could end up anywhere with him.

"This was important as there are plenty of Limerick people involved in him so it is a great local winner and Brian O'Leary heads the syndicate."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Sheephaven Flyer trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

C.G. O'Dwyer, rider of All Walks Of Life trained by Michael Hourigan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his saddle slipped and he pulled up.

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Tilloughna, trained by David Kenneth Budds, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung badly left in the straight.

Rachael Blackmore, rider of Sheephaven Flyer, trained by Henry de Bromhead, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that her mount stopped quickly.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes