THE dream family journey for the Kings of Co Cork and Oscars Brother shows no signs of stopping, with the thoroughly likeable stayer producing a bold display to claim his biggest win yet in the Grade 2 Florida Pearl Novice Chase.

A smart hurdler who has been showing improvement with each of his starts over fences, he bounded around Punchestown for fun under Daniel King, brother of winning trainer Connor King. It was a performance that suggested he could yet have more to come, pulling out enough to beat Koktail Divin by three lengths as 7/4 favourite.

Easy-to-back 15/8 shot Rocky’s Diamond didn’t travel with the same zest as he can and was beaten just over eight lengths in fourth, with 12/1 shot Bossofthebrownies running with credit in third for Mouse Morris.

The 2025 renewal of the Boodles-backed Grade 2 was completely in contrast to the same race 12 months ago, when the three-runner field featured a trio of runners trained by Gordon Elliott and owned by Gigginstown House Stud.

This time, the race was won by a two-horse trainer, ridden by his brother and owned by the Mak King Racing Syndicate, which includes the duo’s father and aunt. The trainer and rider’s dad, Richard, bought Oscars Brother for just €8,000 as a store.

“I can’t believe it - this is great,” said the delighted winning trainer. "We’ve always liked him and while he did well over hurdles, we always hoped he’d be a better chaser.

“I’ve been keeping my eye on this race for a long time. I remember watching this race last year before I rode him out, and there were only three runners in it. There and then, I was thinking it would be a nice race to aim for and it was in the back of my mind all summer.

“There was a month between each of his runs through the last few months, it just worked out perfect. He’s a very straightforward horse and we never really have any plans as to how we’ll ride him going out. We like to ride him positively. I was happy when he got to the front and thought they’d do well to get around and by him.

“I think he jumped better the last day, but maybe it was the slower ground [that impacted that] today. He still jumped well and got the job done.”

On what lies ahead, King added: “We have a few options, but it’s disappointing for us that they have got rid of the three-mile novice chase at Leopardstown. If things went well, that would have been ideal, but I can see where they were coming from too.

“Maybe the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick over two miles and five furlongs might suit him, when it’s likely to be heavy ground. We could travel as well.

"Staying races is his thing and there is plenty to look forward to. Today was his main aim, but I still think there’s loads left in him. He’s always fresh after his races. I don’t think we have got to the bottom of him and hopefully we’re only getting started.”