Thomas Hobson holds off Band Of Outlaws for Grimes Hurdle glory

He may not have been over hurdles since the 2017 Punchestown festival, but that did not dissuade supporters of Thomas Hobson, who toughed it out well to land the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary on Thursday evening.

The Willie Mullins-trained even-money favourite jumped well in the hands of Paul Townend, despite a mistake at the second-last, and had enough in reserve to deny the challenge of Band Of Outlaws, making his first start in the colours of JP McManus.

Townend said of the Rich Ricci-owned winner: "He was very good. It was a nice opportunity for him today and he was well placed."

Having disappointed last time when racing too freely in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, the 110-rated Flat performer seemed to enjoy front-running on his way to landing the €75,000 prize.

The winning rider said of Thomas Hobson's jumping: "He can usually miss the odd one but he really seemed to enjoy himself and jumped great on the whole. At a sharp place like this you have to jump and thankfully the line came in time."

Band Of Outlaws, ridden by JJ Slevin, made his first start in the colours of JP McManus on ThursdayCredit: Patrick McCann

Band Of Outlaws, sent off the 6-4 second-favourite, kept on well in the straight to be beaten a neck but could not get by the nine-year-old, five years his senior. The news of a change in ownership from Justin Carthy to JP McManus filtered through at the eleventh hour.

Connections of Like An Open Book were rewarded for their decision to run their 119-rated mare, who managed to finish third and gain black type.

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