Bob Olinger lives up to expectations at Naas

Rachael Blackmore onboard Bob Olinger jumps the last on the way to winning the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle. Picture: INPHO/Caroline Norris

Exciting six-year-old Bob Olinger lived up to expectations when justifying 6/4 favouritism in the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle at Wednesday’s rescheduled meeting in Naas.

Building on an impressive maiden success in Navan, Henry de Bromhead’s charge raced close to the pace under Rachael Blackmore, moved menacingly to challenge before the second last and, having edged past Blue Lord, (keen throughout for Paul Townend) the Sholokhov gelding forged clear on the run-in to score by six and a half lengths, with long-time leader Gabynako back in third.