Boston Bobby appreciates better ground at Down Royal Boston Bobby sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle for Philip Rothwell and Conor Clarke. The 76-rated gelding raced in rear and made progress on the outer before the third-last flight. He got on terms with Sunwalk approaching the next and was stronger than that rival close home in winning by half a length for owner Tadhg Moynihan. Sunwalk ran a more creditable race in second at 66/1 and was six-and-a-half-lengths clear of Back To Cali at 12/1. Give Her Hollie rounded out the placings at 66/1. Clarke said: "They went a right good gallop and Philip was adamant I drop in and find the best of the ground. Then just let him creep into it when he was ready. "He warmed to it very well and got into it very well. Jumped for fun and put it to bed fairly easily. "Running on bad ground doesn't really suit him, got through it (ground) there today. "He has hit the crossbar once or twice before, but he deserved that today. "I'm based full-time with Emmet Mullins and in John Ryan's and Tony Martin's as well. I'm getting into places as much as I can."
