The opening race on day three of the Limerick Christmas Festival, the Freeman Keane Associates 3yo Maiden Hurdle, went to the 16/1 shot Arnaud for his trainer Charles Byrnes.

The gelded son of Chevalier was having his first run over hurdles today, with just one run on the level to his name, where he ran well to finish fourth at Cork in a maiden over a mile in October when trained by Tim Doyle.

Ridden by Philip Enright (enjoying his third winner in as many days), the winner was waited with towards the rear before making headway to track the leaders from the third last.

He travelled strongly from before the straight and hit the front at the second last before being pushed out to assert on the run-in, scoring by a length and three parts at the line from the 33/1 shot Come To The Party back in second. The Four Elms finished a further eight and a half lengths back in third at 28/1 while the odds-on 8/11 favourite Bat Masterson could only manage fifth under Paul Carberry.

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "I think he is nice horse but I thought he might need the run.

"He was green when he came to me but he has got stronger since and it was a pleasant surprise. He will go for a winners race now."