Arctic Skipper and Sean Flanagan race away from the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
The Vincent Halley trained Arctic Skipper struck a blow for one of the smaller yard when landing the featured Grade 2 TheTote.com Fortria Chase at Navan today, causing a 25/1 upset and providing jockey Sean Flanagan with a Grade 2 double on the day.
The six runner race featured some of the leading names in Irish jumps racing with Grade 1 winners Ballycasey representing trainer Willie Mullins and owner Rich RIcci, and Gilbamboa, for Enda Bolger and J.P. McManus in the lineup.
Arctic Skipper’s previous wins were gained in a point-to-point, maiden hurdle and beginners chase and was well held in third place in his most recent Grade 3 outings last season.
Today the son of Flemensfirth ran out a game winner having rallied to lead at the final fence and maintained his gallop to the line, where he eventually beat Gilgamboa by a short head.
Following the win, Halley, who trains Arctic Skipper for his father Laurence, stated “that’s fantastic and I’m delighted! It’s great to get a big win like that.
“He’s honest out and Sean (Flanagan) said he has loads of scope. We’d have been happy if he had been in the first three today and he’s obviously improved from last season and it’s fantastic. We’ll make a plan now after this.”
He added “fair play to Nicky Kiely who rides him out at home, he’s done great work with him and Andrew (Lynch, injured) who usually rides him - they’ve always had faith in the horse and said he would be a stronger horse this year.”
Jockey Flanagan had earlier steered Snow Falcon to win the Grade 2 Lismullen Hurdle and was also successful with Rashaan in another Grade 2 hurdle at Down Royal nine days ago.
By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson
