Oscar Sam justified good support in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Clonmel when sticking on gamely in the closing stages under Robbie Power.

The gelding, making his first start for Jessica Harrington, was backed from 6/1 this morning and went to post the 5/2 favourite.

Power produced him to lead turning for home and he responded well as the challengers pressed him hard over the last two flights.

The Oscar gelding went on to record a length-and-three-quarters victory over Macs Legend

"I didn't have much to do with that as I came back form holidays yesterday!" said Harrington.

"He came to me big and fat in August off a summer's grass and I'm delighted with him.

"It was a good start and he's in at the weekend and also at Fairyhouse next week over two and a half miles. Anything is a possibility but we'll see how he comes out of this."

The winning Cooper Family Syndicate are from Rathangan.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)