The word has been for quite some time that Grade 1 hurdler Oscars Well has taken to jumping fences with aplomb and so it proved on his debut in that sphere in the opener at Punchestown, the Book New Year's Eve Beginners Chase.

A two to one on chance, Robbie Power's mount assumed command in the straight on his way to dishing out a twelve length and three and three parts of a length beating to Darwins Fox and Plan A

Oscars Well is owned by the Molley Malone Syndicate which of course numbers restaurateur Derry Clarke among its ranks.

Jessica Harrington trains the victorious seven-year-old and she said: "That was a lovely introduction. It's great to get a win having not won at all last year and when they haven't won for that long you start to worry a bit.

"I couldn't believe how good he was jumping and Robbie said either long or short he was great. I'd say he'll go for the Drinmore now and he probably won't run again until then as he's best fresh."

Ladbrokes and Stan James both cut Oscars Well from 14/1 into 10/1 for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

(AM & EM)