Arcturus takes brave route to land opener

The Joseph O'Brien-trained Arcturus proved brave to squeeze up the rail and gain the day in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden at Listowel.

Shane Crosse had to bide his time on the 3/1 shot and made progress on the fence a furlong-and-a-half from home.

He challenged on the inner just inside the final furlong and got his head narrowly in front passing the 100 yards marker.

The son of Fast Company stuck on well in the closing stages to hold 9/4 favourite Sacchoandvanzetti by half a length.

There was an enquiry with Zeb Spirit getting squeezed up inside the final furlong but the result was unaffected.

Arcturus had finished fifth on his debut at Roscommon five days ago.

Crosse was registering his 14th winner of the season having only received his licence just before last Christmas. The 16-year-old, from Tipperary, said afterwards:-

“Once I turned for home I saw a bit of daylight up the rail, and when he took it I always thought he was going to get there. He was nice and tough."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)