Arcland belatedly records a first win over hurdles A 15-race maiden over flights prior to today, Arcland recorded a first win over jumps when getting up close home under Eoin Staples to land the MB McGrady And Co Chartered Accountants Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick. Successful on the Flat for former trainer Harry Rogers, the nine-year-old finished runner-up on stable debut for Gavin Cromwell, before adding just the second win of his career when scoring on the level at Navan on his next start. Fourth in a stronger handicap hurdle at Killarney in July, Arcland was sent off 9/4f to make the breakthrough over flights here. Tracking the pace throughout under Staples, the gelding came off the bridle after jumping two out. To his credit, he found plenty on the run-in, coming with a strong late challenge to head Must Meet Cecil over 100 yards out. He then had to be brave to hold the late thrust of Half A Chance by half-a-length. Eoin Staples said: "He has had a couple of very consistent runs over hurdles and he was due his day in the sun. "We were worried that he wouldn't battle and, to be fair, today he put his head down and dug deep for me to be fair to him. "The owners are delighted, so job done. "I'm based in Gavin's four days (a week), in Paul Nolan's one day and one in Colin Bowe's as well. They are supporting me well and I'm very lucky." Additional reporting by Michael Graham.
