Bob lunges late to take beginners

Fairwood Bob was produced with a well-timed run by Paul Townend to claim the Coolmore NH Sires Beginners Chase at Clonmel. On Your Way who had pulled his way to the front in the early stages, looked to be fading out of it three out but came with a renewed surge to lead again at the second last.

He had no answer to the late surge of Fairwood Bob, however, who got up on the run-in to score by two-and-a-half lengths.

"That's wonderful. He loves good ground and has improved a little bit for his break," said winning trainer Philip Rothwell.

"Paul was brilliant on him. It looks like they went a bit too quick and they stopped in front and he stayed on.

"It's great as he's only a small horse and we'll see what the handicapper does with him now."