Impressive return by Alaivan

ALAIVAN, third to Soldatino in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham and off the track since May, made a successful return to action when outclassing Son Amix and four other rivals in the Fishery Lane Hurdle at Naas yesterday.

The Andrew McNamara-ridden 8/11 favourite tracked front-running Son Amix throughout, edged into a challenging position turning for home and, in front jumping the second last, he was soon in control. Kept going my McNamara, he triumphed by three lengths, without being asked a serious question.

Winning trainer Edward O’Grady commented: “If he was beaten, I knew where he was going. But, quite honestly, I don’t know what to do with him now. It’s not easy with a four-year-old, with a rating like his.