With the well-backed market-leader Hoopy (9/4 into 5/4) running no sort of race and The Last Stand falling, the way was left open for something else to win the Kieran Kelly Memorial Beginners Chase and the lightly-raced Oscar's Haven was the one to take advantage.
Under a very patient Denis O'Regan, the point-to-point winner crept his way into contention gradually, leading at the last and eventually holding off the challenge of Hilts by a head. Successful trainer Noel Meade said, "I thought the ground was too heavy for him but he jumped absolutely brilliant and Denis just sat and sat and sat. Hopefully he will go on from here." (EM)
