Arnaud keeps in front of Rebel Fitz at Killarney© Photo Healy Racing
Rebel Fitz #8217;s chasing debut didn’t go to plan as he was outgunned by Arnaud in the opener at Killarney.
Mick Winters’ Galway Hurdle hero was sent off the 4/7 favourite (from 10/11 in the morning) as one of his main market rivals Steps To Freedom was declared a non runner due to the change in ground.
The race focused around Arnaud, Darwins Fox and Rebel Fitz who were all in the front rank throughout with Arnaud cutting out most of the running.
Arnaud (8/1) put in a terrific display of jumping, and a particularly slick jump at the last in front of Rebel Fitz ensured victory as he powered home from there to win by five and a half lengths.
Niall Madden was on board in the Gigginstown House Stud colours for trainer Charles Byrnes in this two mile one beginners’ chase.
“I fancied him at Cork, but the ground was worse than it was here. His jumping is brilliant,” Charles Byrnes said.
“I thought he would have achieved a lot more than he has. He was a second season hurdler and impossible to place. He ended up being badly handicapped.
“We’ll stay chasing and keep him going over the summer as he goes on fast ground.”
Rebel Fitz and Barry Geraghty were six lengths in front of third-placed Darwins Fox (5/2) and Andrew Lynch.
Arnaud was fifth in the Grade 3 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last year.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
