Rio claims Grimes reward

Jumbo Rio was rewarded for two valiant efforts in France with success in the Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary.

Edward O’Grady’s charge was runner-up in two valuable races at Auteuil after taking the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown.

Ebaziyan made the early running while Andrew McNamara had the 11-8 favourite covered up in midfield, until he began to make his move four out.

Jumbo Rio jumped into the lead at the second last but was all out to hold Cuan Na Grai, who rallied strongly on the run-in, by a head. Fosters Cross was two and a half lengths away in third.

“He is a very tough horse. He’ll probably go for a flat race next before going back to Auteuil in November,” said O’Grady.

“It took him 40 hours to get to France last time and he still put in a good performance which just shows how tough he is.”