THE decision to switch back to timber with Its Bilbo reaped rich rewards at Limerick on the final day of their Christmas festival meeting. Henry de Bromhead’s charge placed over fences on his previous outing and showed his versatility by running out a convincing winner of the €50,000 QuinnBet Handicap Hurdle.

Leading amateur Rob James took 7lb off his back and produced the 9/2 shot to lead over the last in the listed contest, staying on strongly in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarter victory.