Al Eile wins Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle for second time

The John Queally-trained Al Eile (12-1) won the Baltika Beer Aintree Hurdle for the second time in three years under Timmy Murphy.

It was a fine training performance from Queally as the seven-year-old had shown little form all season and missed the Cheltenham Festival after reportedly being under the weather.

But after taking up the running from Asian Maze two out, Murphy drove him out to the line to hold off the four-year-old filly Gaspara by a length and a half.

Afsoun stayed on a further three lengths away in third, but the favourite Detroit City put in another lacklustre display and was never travelling.

Murphy said: “He loves Aintree – he’s fantastic. A lot of credit goes to John because the horse has not been right.

“I rode him at Fairyhouse and he was telling us he wasn’t right but he’s back today and 110%. He’s been a bit ring rusty really because he’s not been finishing his races all season so John said to pop him out and just keep him interested.”