Cara's Oscar (near side), Jarob and Fort Smith in the air together at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Running fresh has been a winning formulae for Cara's Oscar in the past, and an absence of 280 days proved no barrier as he made a winning debut over fences in the Rockathon Returns To Fairyhouse September 5th Beginners Chase.
The lightly-raced nine-year-old appeared to have thrown away his chance in this extended 2m5f event when making a mistake two out.
However Robbie Power got the 9/4 shot back upsides Fort Smith and Jarob at the last which he met perfectly.
The Colm Murphy-trained gelding was soon on top on the run-in and in the end won a shade cleverly by three quarters of a length.
The 11/8 favourite Jarob filled the runner-up spot, with Fort Smith a further neck back in third.
Murphy said, "I'm delighted with that and he deserved to win on his hurdles form.
"There are plenty of little novice races during the summer. He's not over-big and we'll see where we go with him.
"He's had a lot of problems and it's been a big problem trying to keep him sound. He's nine but has only run ten times. Anytime we got him to the track he ran well but getting him there was the problem.
"If we can get a clear run with him he should be a bit of fun for the summer. We won't aim too high with him."
(GC & AM)
