1st - €12,915.00 2nd - €4,200.00 3rd - €2,100.00 4th - €1,050.00 5th - €525.00 Fine

FormscanBy Tom Weekes - One-time Champion Hurdle runner-up ARCTIC FIRE makes his debut for Denis Cullen and despite some reservations today, is tipped to win on reappearance. He was an admirably game and talented horse for Willie Mullins in the past, finishing second in the 2015 Champion Hurdle and winning the 2017 County Hurdle and now returns following the second lengthy layoff of his career. He is without a run for 441 days and connections will be testing the waters on his comeback run, but he is clearly the best horse in this field and provided he stays sound and is near full-fitness, should retain plenty of his old ability as a 9yo. Good Thyne Tara is an obvious alternative to the selection given she is a proven performer at this level and comes here clearly fit and very well. She was an easy winner at Ballinrobe latest, is a previous course winner and can be relied upon to run a good race. Woodland Opera has won two of his four career hurdle starts but is better known as a chaser. He too has his chance given he comes here fit and well and while it is difficult to know what to expect reverting to hurdles for the first time since 2016, he does have a nice weight today. Flaxen Flare ran well at Down Royal recently but might prove vulnerable to smart types these days while Lieutenant Colonel is becoming frustrating to follow and should struggle to defy top weight.

A hurdle race for four yrs old and upwards that have not won more than two hurdle races since 30th April, 2017
Weights - 4-y-o 10st 7lb; 5-y-o and up 11st; Mares allowed 7lb
Penalties - (handicaps excluded) to count from 1st May, 2017 Winner of a hurdle race 6lb extra; Of two hurdle races or one value E12,500 10lb extra;