Early morning favourite and the unbeaten Hidden Cyclone's absence (ground conditions) from the Navan Novice Hurdle at Navan today, appeared to take the edge from the Grade 1 contest, but eventual winner Oscars Well did run out a most impressive winner.

Oscars Well, under Robbie Power, led travelling well two out and stretched clear of his five rivals to record an easy eight lengths win.

Afterwards delighted winning trainer Jessica Harrington stated "I know Hidden Cyclone came out of the race but my horse couldn't have done any more than he did. Robbie (Power) even said he hated today's tacky ground."

She added "he travels very well in his races but we may have to get him to switch off a little. He'll go for the Grade 2 novice hurdle at Leopardstown at the end of January next and hopefully he'll be capable of carrying his Grade 1 penatly. The Neptune Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham is his longterm target."

Stan James bookmakers introduced Oscars Well at 25/1 for the Neptune Novices Hurdle.

Thomas Weekes