Sir Bob wins Cork Grand National in driving finish

Sir Bob recorded the most significant success of his long career when getting his head in front close home to win the featured Cork Grand National at Mallow.

The oldest competitor in the field, the eleven-year-old had proven a somewhat frustrating performer earlier in his career but has really put it all together over the last two seasons.

Just touched off in a staying handicap chase at Punchestown in April, the Robert Tyner trained gelding had been campaigned over hurdles this season, perhaps in an attempt to protect his chase rating.

Having made his move leaving the back straight for the final time, the veteran chaser appeared to be fighting a losing battle as the favourite Call The Tune looked to be full of running under Michael O'Sullivan.

The latter moved on two out, looking to have matters in hand as he quickly went a couple of lengths clear. However, a mistake at the last fence halted his momentum, allowing Simon Torrens to conjure up one last rally from the J.P. McManus owned Sir Bob.

At the line, only a short head separated the front two, with five-and-a-half lengths back to the third.

Robert Tyner said: "That was grand and was great that it worked out as his jumping kept him in it. He is inclined to be lazy through his races but once he was there turning in, I thought he had a great chance.

"Staying is his job and he was unlucky in Punchestown (last April) when only beaten in a phot finish having been jumped across at the last fence. This is well deserved and he is tough.

"We were happy with his first run back over hurdles but disappointed with his second run although today's extra distance helped.

"This is my first time winning this race, it is a good pot and he is an 11 year old so it is great to get it. He is getting near the edge in handicaps now but we'll look to the Porterstown Chase and to longer-distance hurdles now."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.