Boston Bob the first Graham & Andrea Wylie owned horse to be trained in Ireland, took the opening 2m 4f INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Navan this afternoon in convincing style.
The son of Bob Back won his point-to-point at Tallow for his then trainer Derek Barry beating subsequent two time track winner Days Hotel into second in February of 2010.
On his racecourse debut he finished just a short head and a neck third to Reizovic, who won his maiden hurdle at Naas yesterday.
Sold from Barry's yard for £150,000 at the Doncaster Bloodstock Sales in early March of this year he made a successful debut for his new owners the Wylie's in a Hexham bumper later that month when under the care of Howard Johnson.
Having his first start for Willie Mullins today the 6yo gelding, who holds an entry in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 4th, travelled kindly under Paul Townend as they entered the straight.
Sent off the strong 4/11 favourite he hit the front at the last before quickly drawing clear under a confident Paul Townend ride. Six Senses finished three and a quarter lengths back in second for Andrew Lynch and Robbie Colgan at 6/1 while 66/1 outside Sanmare ran a cracker to finish seven lengths back in third for his trainer Patrick Downey with Barry Cash aboard.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins said afterwards: "He looks a very nice recruit. The way he jumped he'll make a nice chaser but I think he will have a good Novice Hurdling career and I won't be afraid to go anywhere with him."
Boston Bob received a 33/1 quote from Stan James for the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham in March while he is available at 25/1 for the Albert Barlett Novices Hurdle.
