The Noel Meade trained Art Of Security landed the opening INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Naas today, winning under jockey Sean Flanagan.

The son of High Chaparral finished third during Christmas at Leopardstown on his previous start and today improved two placings when second a two and three parts of a length win over Turbojet

Following the race, Meade stated “I thought he’d win, as he ran very well in Leopardstown and Sean (Flanagan) thought the ground was a bit quick for him then and said he was flat out from the second last.

“He won a bumper on soft ground and I think he’s a reasonable horse.

“I suppose he’ll go for a winners race but we’ll see what way the handicapper rates him. It’s so difficult at the moment because no matter what race you go for, a grade three or one, they are all the same and you run into the same horses. It’s the same for any of those horses that win - the next step is a big one.”

He added “Sean is a very good rider and I couldn’t be happier with him. He’s growing in confidence all the time and the more confidence he gets the better he rides.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson