Alaivan triumphs at Gowran Park

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.

A Listed winner on the Flat when trained by John Oxx, the Kalanisi gelding struck in impressive fashion on his hurdling bow for Edward O'Grady.

Carrying the Thomas Barr colours of Osana, the 1-3 shot was third in the early stages until Andrew McNamara took him to the head of affairs before the second-last.

He went on to win unchallenged by 15 lengths from Leblon, despite running down the final flight and turning his head to the left. Ned Of The Hill was another 13 lengths away in third.

He is now favourite for Triumph Hurdle after being cut to 8-1 from 14-1 with Victor Chandler.

"We done loads of schooling with him and Andrew said that paid off," said O'Grady.

"You never know what will happen the first time but I'm very pleased with him. He's not the finished article yet but it's onwards and upwards from here.

"This horse and Osana will run on St Stephen's Day at Leopardstown. Alaivan obviously in the Bord Na Mona-sponsored juvenile hurdle and Osana in the two-mile-one novice chase."