Oscars Brother with Connor King and his brothers Dan and Rory. © Photo Healy Racing
On an afternoon when the Flat season came to a close at the Curragh, former champion apprentice Connor King registered his first success since taking out a trainers licence when Oscars Brother won the Listed Paddy Power "How Many Days 'Til Christmas?" Irish EBF Novice Hurdle at Cork.
Not only was this first success as a trainer a memorable occasion for King but it also came at his local Cork track, with younger brother Daniel in the saddle.
A proven stayer, who is arguably better on easier ground, Oscars Brother was sent to the front four out, in an effort to make this a proper stamina test.
Turning for home, only the Willie Mullins trained Paggane remained in contention, as the strong travelling Oscars Brother had seen off the remainder.
Better jumps over the first two flights in the straight gave the latter a definite advantage, which he was never going to give up as he battled all the way to the line.
At the finish, Oscars Brother had two lengths in hand of Paggane, with the only other finishers a distance behind.
Connor King said: "I'm delighted to have got off the mark and for everyone involved and the horse got a great ride from Dan. It is my home track as I'm from 15 minutes out the road although I'm based in Golden, Co Tipperary.
"I did the trainers' course around Cheltenham time this year and I've had one other Flat runner, along with this horse. I have three riding out but just him to run until Christmas time. I'll concentrate on my own horses for the time being and see how it goes.
"I rode a four-timer here in 2013 which seems a long time ago and it was always a lucky track for me, so I love coming here."
He added "This horse is a novice until December so things will get tough for him although whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus as he will be a good chaser. I might look at a three-mile handicap hurdle around Christmas but today had been his target for a while.
"I found the race hard to watch as I was quite nervous and think it is easier to ride them - I'll leave that to Dan as he is doing a good job."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
