Alaivan has long since been touted as one of the more exciting recruits to the winter game from racing on the flat and he didn't let anyone down on his hurdling debut in the Fancy A Festive Flutter 3-y-o Hurdle.
Andrew McNamara was always near the pace on Thomas Barr's deep ground lover and his jumping was brilliantly fluent. Given an inch of rein before three out he went on about his business, easily accounting for Leblon by fifteen lengths. He gave those on at odds of threes on a very brief fright when turning to his head to the left at the last.
A 110-rated performer on the level, he won the Gowran Park Classic Trial last May and the Listed Lenebane Stakes at Roscommon in July. The latter was his final start for John Oxx. He is a half-brother to Alayan, a five times winner including twice at Group 3 level.
Winning trainer, Edward O’Grady said: "We done loads of schooling with him and Andrew said that paid off. 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. Himself 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.
Ladbrokes go 7/1 from 10/1 about Alaivan winning the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.
