Arctic Ambition pictured with connections© Photo Healy Racing
Arctic Ambition followed-up on his win at Limerick on Friday, as he landed the first divide of the FBD Handicap Hurdle.
Carrying a 7lb winners penalty, the son of Arctic Cosmos was completing a double for Gordon Elliott, his fifth winner over the two days at Ballinrobe.
Given a patient ride by Danny Gilligan, he made headway from four out but still had plenty to do when jumping the last in a share of fourth.
Soon ridden, he squeezed through between horses on the run-in and got to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by a length-and-a-quarter in the colours of the Go Go Go Partnership.
The Philip Rothwell-trained Glenmalure Lodge (7/2) finished second under James O'Sullivan, while Silverstrand (8/1), who looked set to score when ridden away from the last, was another half-a-length back in third.
"I told Danny that I'd rather he got beaten for coming too late than too soon because he doesn't do a lot when he gets to the front," Elliott commented.
"It looked like he might get tight for room at one stage but the horse put his head down and galloped to the line.
"He's in at Wexford tomorrow but he's been busy and I'll have to talk to the owners and the handicapper as well.
"With all the boys out injured, Danny's taking every chance with both hands. He's not just getting the rides because he's claiming seven, he's getting them because he's taking all his chances.
"I love coming to Ballinrobe. It's a great track and they do a great job. I walked the track before racing today and the ground was in excellent condition, you'd run any horse on it."
The winner was returned the clear market leader at 11/10 and was the fifth favourite to oblige from six races at Ballinrobe this evening.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
