Hoban shines as Bob shocks

Conor Hoban gave 50/1 shot Eight And Bob a fine front-running ride to spring a shock in the concluding Leopardstown Members Handicap at the Dublin venue tonight.

Hoban bounced out in front on the outsider in the 1m7f contest and nicked a five-length lead on his rivals passing the three pole.

Paul Deegan 's charge proved a willing partner down the straight and answered every call, keeping on gamely to record a three-length success over Bobabout

The winner had actually run well when fourth last year at the venue but disappointed subsequently, including over hurdles. He had been mid-division on both his starts on the level this season.

“I thought the ground might me a bit quick for him coming up here but it’s beautiful ground,” said Deegan.

“He’s got bits and pieces of form, and as a three-year-old here he was only beaten about a length over 1m5f.

“Things haven’t fallen right for him, and we’ve run him over an inadequate trip a few times. The ground was right, the trip was right and the ride was right.

“He’s a lovely big staying horse, and has had a few runs over hurdles. He’s a lovely dual purpose horse.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)