Arctic wins on debut for McManus

The 3/1 favourite Arctic Light took the second divide of the Driftwood Restaurant Rosses Point Handicap Hurdle, scoring on his debut for owner JP McManus.

Successful on his first start in October of 2016, the son of Iffraaj failed to follow-up on fourteen starts since.

A good fourth at Clonmel on his most recent outing, the Tom Mullins trained six-year-old was well-fancied to go a few places better this evening.

Settled behind the leaders on the inner, the Mark Walsh ridden victor came with his challenge between horses after two out.

He was ridden to the front on the run-in, and kept on best in the closing stages to beat 4/1 chance (from 6s) Guido Reni by a length and a half.

The front pair went four and a quarter lengths clear of End Play (33/1) in third.

"That's my first time to ride him and his last run was a good one," said Walsh.

"He just seemed to lose his way over fences last year but Tom's horses are in good form now.

"Hopefully he can keep improving and maybe get through another little small one like that."

JP McManus was completing a double on the card, having earlier scored with Gold Seal

STEWARDS REPORT

A. Ring, rider of Dandy Bridge trained by M. Flannery, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and pulled up.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy