Bobbythegangster (Conor Walsh) clears the last© Photo Healy Racing
Bobbythegangster opened his account under rules when taking the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Conor Walsh at Clonmel.
The Don Cashman-trained gelding, a two-time winner between the flags, was kept wide throughout by Walsh and the tactics paid off.
The 8/1 chance struck the front approaching the penultimate flight, and kept on well on the run-in to score by three and a quarter lengths. Fly Round The Bend took the runner-up spot, with Conna Cross another length and three quarters away in third.
Cashman said, "He won his point-to-points well but had been a bit unfortunate until now. He got it right today and he's entered in a rated beginners' chase at Tramore on Thursday and there's no reason not to run if everything's in order.
"Eddie Keating rides him out and his input made the difference."
(TW & AM)