Oscar Dan Dan gained handsome compensation for a fall at Navan last time when he came out best in a thrilling conclusion to the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle.
Favourite Catch Me had no more to offer from before the last and it was left between Nineteenth Minute (the leader from before three out), the staying on Healys Bar and Oscar Dan Dan. The latter got on top close home to prevail by a neck. There was a length and a quarter to Healys Bar with three and a half lengths back to Catch Me.
Successful trainer, Tom Mullins commented: "Big Bucks will hardly be shaking in his boots! We have that under our belts now anyway. He could go for the Long Walk, but that could be a long walk and we mightn't go there.
"We'll keep to him around three miles for the rest of the season. He got a great ride (from Davy Russell) and fair play to the horse, he stuck his head well out at the end. It was a three way finish so he'd have to improve a lot more, maybe another seven or eight pounds to win another big race like that. Maybe he could do that.
"He is a lot better this year than he was last year. I was glad he could do that because he is not the biggest horse in the world. He might have to go chasing next year if he doesn't match up with the big boys later on."
Boylesports go 33/1 Oscar Dan Dan for the World Hurdle.
William Hill make him a 20/1 shot for the same race.
The crowd figure on the day at Fairyhouse was estimated to be 3,700.
