Having led at the third-last, the 11-10 favourite made a mistake at the final flight, but he still strode away to pass the post with nine lengths to spare over Diktalina. Connections must now decide whether Me Voici is to line up in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Owner Jane Williams, the trainer’s wife, said:

“That is tricky, Nick insisted that he should be entered. It is such a hard call – I bought him as a yearling in France to be a Gold Cup horse. If it was up to me, I would call it a day (for this season) now, but if it came up soft (at Cheltenham) you would have to be tempted.”

Alaivan boosted his Triumph Hurdle claims with an effortless success in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse. No match for Gordon Elliott’s Carlito Brigante when he was last seen at Leopardstown over Christmas, Edward O’Grady’s four-year-old this time had no trouble in adding to his tally.

Triumph Hurdle 2010 ~ Outright Ante Post, (place terms: 1/4 the first 3)

4 Mille Chief
6 Carlito Brigante
7 Alaivan (from 10s)
7 Secant Star
14 Pittoni
16 Advisor
16 Super Kenny
16 Me Voici

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