Thomas Hobson wins on return to hurdling

Thomas Hobson made virtually all to land the feature at Tipperary this evening, the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle.

A well-beaten tenth in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the Willie Mullins trained globetrotting nine-year-old was having his first start over flights since April of 2017.

Sent off the even money favourite, the fifth winning market leader of the evening, the son of Halling was soon in front under Paul Townend.

A mistake at the second last opened the door for his rivals, but he kept on well when ridden from the last, going on to prevail by a neck. Band Of Outlaws (6/4) was the one who challenged on the run-in, but he ultimately couldn't reel-in the winner and had to settle for second under JJ Slevin for Joseph O'Brien.

Outsider Like An Open Book (33/1) ran a fine race to finish third, another five lengths back under Sean Flanagan for the Burke family.

Townend said afterwards: "Bar the second last he was very good. He can usually miss the odd one but seemed to really enjoy himself today.

"He jumped great on the whole. It was a nice pot and he was well placed."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Plinth trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes