Its Bilbo gives de Bromhead a brace on the day Its Bilbo was driven out by Rob James to win the Listed handicap hurdle over two miles on Limerick's card. James sent him into a narrow lead over two out and the four-year-old gelding was almost a length up on challenger Lenjoleur De Palma over the final flight. The latter tried hard on the run-in but Its Bilbo was too strong in the closing stages as he ground it out, on testing conditions, by a length and three parts. Lenjoleur De Palma, the 9/4 favourite, had to settle for second in his bid to supplement a course and distance success last month. Combs (12/1) came in third, beaten two and a-half lengths, under Luke Dempsey who has been plying his trade in Australia. “He did it well, he jumped well and travelled everywhere. I felt like I got there with loads of time and he had loads left going to the line, he was pricking his ears,” said James. “Maybe chasing stood to him. Henry told me the way to ride him and, in fairness, Robbie Power rang me and said he’d have a good chance. “Thanks to them and to the owners, I’m just delighted to get the winner. “I sat third or fourth on the outside, with a bit of light, and it all panned out very well. At the top of the hill, I got a breather into him before we sailed for home. It worked out great.” He gave Henry de Bromhead an across-the-card double as Walks In June delivered in the novice handicap hurdle at Leopardstown. Additional reporting by Gary Carson
