Bobskier takes opening claimer

Bobskier took the opening claimer at Clonmel this afternoon under a strong drive from Fran Berry. Sophies Echo was keen to lead in the ten furlong contest but drifted wide entering the straight as she came under pressure.

8/1 shot Bobskier (from 10/1) stayed up the rail and hit the front with a furlong-and-a-half to run.

The Big Bad Bob filly stayed on gamely inside the final furlong to record a half-length success for Gerry O'Leary.

The easy-to-back If Per Chance (3/1 in morning returned 7/1) got going too late as he stayed on to grab the runner-up spot ahead of the long-time leader.

The winner hadn't run since finishing down the field in a Wexford handicap at he end of July, having produced three decent runs previously.

"The leader hung off the rail and I got a nice run up. She kept battling well in fairness to her," said Berry of the winner afterwards.

"On some of her better runs she had a good chance and it's nice to ride a winner for Gerry as he's a really nice fella." Invincible Soul was sent off the 4/1 favourite but couldn't peg back the leaders in the straight, finishing fifth.

There were successful claims for Grand Opera (€5,000), who finished second last after missing the kick, and third-placed Sophies Echo (€3,000).

(On course reporting by Alan Magee)