Underdog Trainer Stuns Racing Giants in Punchestown Thriller
In a result that embodies the spirit of National Hunt racing, a trainer with just two horses in his care celebrated a monumental victory at the prestigious Punchestown Festival. Connor King, a former jockey, watched as his charge, Oscars Brother, stormed to victory in the Grade Two Boodles Florida Pearl Novice Chase, expertly ridden by his brother, Daniel King.
A David vs Goliath Battle on the Track
The race on November 22, 2025, was no easy contest. The line-up featured horses from two of Ireland's most powerful stables, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead, and included the talented Rocky's Diamond, who had finished fourth in the 2025 Stayers' Hurdle. Yet, against this formidable competition, the King brothers' seven-year-old gelding, sent off as the 7-4 favourite, proved his class.
Always prominent in the running, Oscars Brother produced a series of slick jumps under Daniel's guidance. Showing tremendous stamina on the soft to heavy ground over three miles, the horse powered home to win by three lengths from De Bromhead's Koktail Divin.
Family Triumph and Future Ambitions
The win was a deeply personal triumph for the sibling partnership. An elated Daniel King told Racing TV, "It's class... He's a lovely horse to have for my brother to train and me to ride. Our lad is improving, we thought if he stepped forward he would have a chance." He cheekily deferred all future plans to "the trainer!"
For trainer Connor, the victory was the culmination of a long-term plan. "I remember there were only three runners in this last year and thinking it would be a nice race to aim for," he revealed. Having always believed Oscars Brother would improve over fences, Connor is now eyeing a step up to the highest level, with the Grade One Faugheen Novices’ Chase at Limerick over Christmas a potential next target.
This fairytale result proves that in horse racing, passion, careful planning, and family teamwork can sometimes triumph over sheer numerical strength.
