Alaivan looked a smart recruit to the jumping game when routing his rivals in the Fancy A Festive Flutter 3-Y-0 Hurdle at Gowran Park.

I AM more than hopeful Celestial Halo can give his Champion Hurdle prospects a big boost by winning at Sandown this afternoon.

HENRY De Bromhead is still adjusting to having the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle favourite housed in his yard.

Henry De Bromhead will not be too disappointed if Sizing Europe does not win the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown on Saturday.

Straw Bear appeared right back to his best when posting an authoritative victory in the Bathwick Tyres Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton - but trainer Nick Gifford immediately played down his charge's Cheltenham Festival hopes.