Exciting Oscar gives Mullins a Punchestown brace

Exciting Oscar was pulled up when last seen at Clonmel in February but put that effort in the rear-view mirror as he won on seasonal reappearance in the extended three mile handicap hurdle at Punchestown.

He was pushed along by Danny Mullins to make headway after the third last and made sustained progress into third approaching the home bend.

Mullins stuck to the inner and his mount strode into the lead before the last.

He was driven out on the run-in to see off Castlehume Gold (40/1) by a length and three quarters.

The winner certainly didn't go unbacked as his price contracted to 25/1 from an opening show of 40/1. Wherethewindsblow was five lengths further back at 18/1 (from 25/1). Owl Creek Bridge completed the placings in fourth at 9/2.

Trainer Denis Ahern said: “He's not the easiest horse in the world to train but in fairness he did it well today.

“I don't know what happened to him in Clonmel the last day, whether he was sick of what, but we left him off afterwards.

“I said to Danny if we got a bit of prize money today we'd be delighted.

“His first run was a great run and I'd say he runs best fresh. The first four that day were good horses.

“I was disappointed with him after that but Danny said to me not to give up on him.”

Ahern last had a National Hunt winner in the 2011/2012 season.

Mullins doubled up on this Oscar gelding after winning on his father's Rescue Package (10/1) in the rated novice hurdle.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson