Gallant Oscar © Photo Healy Racing
Gallant Oscar was well-backed in the Ladbrokes On Course Ireland Handicap Hurdle at Navan and got the job done, giving Ruby Walsh a treble on the card.
Tony Martin's charge, who unseated when a leading fancy for the Irish National last April, was backed from 2/1 in the morning and was sent off evens favourite in the 2m7f contest.
Walsh produced the gelding to challenge, travelling smoothly, at the last and he was driven out in the closing stages to post a length-and-three-quarters victory over Mallards In Flight
“It's great to start back with a win under his belt,” said Martin.
“We thought he had a good chance in the Irish National but unfortunately he unseated. His form from Naas had been franked before that.
“He'll improve a bit off that and go back over fences now.”
Martin also indicated that his charge wouldn't go for the Troytown at the track in two weeks time.
Boylesports made the winner a 16/1 shot from 20/1 for the Hennessy at Newbury.
