Arctic Skipper takes opener at Naas

Arctic Skipper (5/2) improved one placing on two previous racecourse runner-up efforts when winning the opening Paddy Power Shops 10.30am Sunday Service Maiden Hurdle at Naas today for trainer Vincent Halley and jockey Andrew Lynch.

The son of Flemensfirth, successful on his initial point-to-point debut in October 2013, battled gamely to lead on the run-in, beating off well backed 15/8 favourite A Hardy Nailer in the closing stages by half a length.

Afterwards Halley stated "he's improved from the last day which he probably just needed after nine months off. He had a splint problem after his bumper run.

"He's a big horse, just shy of 17.2 hands and is a chaser who will go over fences next season; that'll be his game.

"He could go for a novice hurdle but we'll see how he comes out of this and, being a big horse, he wouldn't want the ground too quick."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee