The Dermot Weld trained Galileo’s Choice kept his Cheltenham prospects alive with an effortless win in the Easter Festival 8th-10th April Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse today.

Ridden by Robbie McNamara (who is now 9 wins from 13 rides for Weld this season), the 2/9 favourite went clear on the run-in to effortlessly defeat Grand National candidate Becauseicouldntsee by four and a half lengths.

Afterwards Weld stated “it was a pleasing performance. Robbie said he wouldn’t be in love with the ground and apart from a slight mistake three out, I was pleased with the performance.

“It didn’t tell us anything we didn’t already know about him but it was more experience for him and provided everything goes well, he’ll take his chance in the Supreme Novice Hurdle. He’ll be a better horse on nice ground, is a dual purpose horse rated 110 on the Flat and can win more Group races.

“If everything goes well in his next race, he’ll go back on the Flat then - staying Group races will be his main profession this year.”

Stan James subsequently cut Galileo's Choice to 9/1 (from 12's) for the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham, while Paddy Power went 10/1 (from 12's).

Boylesports initially held their price of 10/1 before cutting Dermot Weld's charge into 8/1.