Cara's Oscar dives towards the last under Brian Hayes© Photo Healy Racing
On just his second start and his first over hurdles, Cara's Oscar took the Procter & Gamble Maiden Hurdle for Colm Murphy with Brian Hayes in the saddle.
The 6yo son of Oscar ran well on his debut at Cork earlier this month, finishing eight and a half lengths seventh to Vintage Supreme in a bumper.
Over hurdles for the first time today he raced in mid-division in the early stages before making progress to track the leaders from four out.
He hit the front after the third last and was on top when he dived at the last.
He survived that error and stayed on well to go clear on the run-in and score by a comfortable four and a half lengths at the odds of 9/1 (12/1 this morning with Paddy Powers).
The James Lambe trained Regal Warrior ran well to take second under Brian Hughes at 16/1 while Lord Of Isenay was twelve lengths back in third under Eddie O'Connell for Jim Dreaper at 7/2 joint favourite.
The Tom Cooper trained Kerryhead Storm was the other 7/2 joint favourite but he could only manage fifth under Paul Carberry.
Winning trainer Colm Murphy said afterwards: "He was a little bit disappointing at Cork but he came back a bit sore after that.
"He should improve for that and he is crying out for further. He has schooled well and we will look for a little novice hurdle for him now."
The winner is a full-brother to the Grainne O'Connor trained Gale Force Oscar who has five point-to-point wins to his name and finished second on his racecourse debut at Tipperary in May behind Elembridge King.
(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)
