McManus and Walsh seal regal 551/1 four-timer

Former point-to-point winner Sir Bob secured his first racecourse success in the Ardmulchan Handicap Hurdle at Navan, and gave jockey Mark Walsh a four-timer on the card.

The nine-year-old gelding had been runner-up in four of his 18 races under rules but made the breakthrough today for Robert Tyner.

He got on terms with the leader leader Ensel Du Perche at the second last and travelled much the better in taking a narrow lead.

Ensel Du Perche came under the whip as Sir Bob opened up at the last. Walsh only had to push him out to prevail by three and three quarter lengths at 14/1. Dragon's Pass (16/1) stayed on for second and was 11 lengths in front of Thunderosa (11/2). Castlegrange completed the placings in fourth at 14/1.

Jockey Walsh said: “He’d been running over fences and lost his way so we decided to bring him back over hurdles. It really seemed to smarten him up and he felt like a different horse.

“He wouldn’t be the bravest horse in the world and the hurdles suited him well. I’m delighted to get his head in front.

“I had four winners before in Limerick a few years ago. It’s great to get it again."

Sir Bob was reverting back to hurdles after four runs in handicap chases.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee