Arctic Fire much the best in Hatton's Grace Artic Fire gave Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh a Fairyhouse Grade 1 double when getting the job done in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle to justify his odds-on favourite status. Walsh a winner half an hour earlier on Long Dog in hard fought style in the Royal Bond, had it easier on 4/5 shot Artic Fire, as he eventually comfortably crossed the line four lengths in front of Alpha Des Obeaux. The German-bred accomplished the Grade 1 win his talent always suggested he deserved, by taking over travelling best from before the last and soon asserting having been ridden patiently through the two and a half miler. "The ratings tell the story and he was entitled to win. He took a keen hold but has always been that way. He'll run over two miles at Christmas, and I'd say he will stay at home (Leopardstown)," said Mullins. "I don't think he'd want to go any further than that the way he pulls. Maybe with a stronger pace he'd settle better. I think he'll improve again from this as I was a little worried when I saw him beforehand. He looked a bit big but he seems to race with a bit of a tummy. "There is a race for Clondaw Court (weakened into 6th having made the running) at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. Fingers crossed he's okay after this." In ante-post betting news regarding Arctic Fire for the Champion Hurdle Paddy Powers go 9/1 (from 12/1) whilst BoyleSports are 8/1 (from 10s). For the Ladbrokes World Hurdle Arctic Fire is 8/1 (from 16/1) with the sponsors. P. Townend, rider of Clondaw Court trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount tired very quickly. (AM & EM)
