Polar Bear opened his account in no uncertain style at the ninth attempt with a commanding victory in the Tifrums Irish EBF (C&G) Maiden at Naas.

The Jessica Harrington-trained colt made all under Shane Foley and was clear from well over a furlong out to score by four lengths. Son Of Sampers kept on inside the final furlong to take the runner-up spot with Duke Of Vienna a further length and a half back in third. Navalny who gave Billy Lee a torrid time in the preliminaries when rearing up and unseating the rider, could find no extra from over a furlong out finishing fourth.

Harrington said, “He deserved that and has been knocking on the door the whole summer. It’s great for Fiona (Carmichael, owner).

“Shane said he jumped out today and ran away with him. He was tanking the whole way.

“He’s in the sales and we’ll have to have a conference to see what we’re going to do.

“He had a touch of sore shins and a few little things during the year but has strengthened up a lot now.”