Wise Oscar had to work to justify his short price in the Newgrange Handicap Chase at Navan.

Dessie Hughes' charge was sent off the 11/10 favourite in the three mile event on his return to chasing having been a very easy winner over hurdles at Fairyhouse last month.

Sea Master led them going out on the final circuit and still appeared to be travelling best heading to the second last.

Bryan Copper had to get serious on Wise Oscar but he responded well and picked up his rival at the final fence.

The Oscar gelding was going away on the run to the line as he posted a five-and-a-half length success.

“He's a real stayer. It was tough going out there and hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him for that,” said Hughes.

“He got 16lb for winning a hurdle race the last day. He shouldn' be too hard on him for that. He'll go for something at Fairyhouse at Easter.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)