Arctic Gale opens chasing account under Donagh Meyler An encouraging fourth on his introduction to fences at Tramore recently, the Emmet Mullins trained Arctic Gale went three places better when recording a first win over the larger obstacles in the Baileys Hotel Cashel Beginners Chase at Tipperary. A former bumper winner, the six-year-old failed to add to that solitary success in eight starts over hurdles. However, he was second on three occasions, including at last years Galway Festival. Held up in mid division by Donagh Meyler, the 11/2 chance made ground after three out, going fourth as the runners turned for home with two to jump. Moving through to take second soon after that penultimate fence, the gelding joined leader Betty Dutton at the last, before staying on best for a one-and-a-quarter length success. Emmet Mullins said: “It would have been nice if he’d done it in one of those 20 grand auction maiden hurdles, but we had to eventually move on and give up on that. “His jumping over fences seems to be a lot better than over hurdles and Donagh said that’s what kept him in the race today with the early pace. “It’s nice to get that under his belt and hopefully he’s going the right way. “I wouldn’t have any worry stepping him up in trip and he might mix it over hurdles and fences at Galway.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
