Sage Hobbs got Thyme just right

THYME HILL made up for missing Cheltenham with a gutsy victory in the Ryanair Stayers’ Hurdle at Aintree.

A minor injury ruled the seven-year-old out of the Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival but he was brought back to fitness in time by his trainer Philip Hobbs (right).

There was also a change of jockey, with Tom O’Brien getting his chance after Richard Johnson’s recent retirement, having last ridden Thyme Hill to victory on his debut in a bumper at Worcester in October 2018.

O’Brien rode a copybook race, sitting in the main pack as Vinndication and Emitom set up a big early lead. The race changed complexion in the straight and it soon became a duel between Roksana and Thyme Hill. The former held a narrow lead but she was worn down in the closing stages by a determined Thyme Hill (5-2 fav), who got the verdict by a neck. Thomas Darby was third. Paisley Park flopped, with Emma Lavelle’s star being pulled up before the third-last flight.