< Alaivan is Paddy Power's 5-1 joint-favourite for the Triumph Hurdle after his breathless success in the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Sent off the 4-6 favourite, Andrew McNamara was content to sit way off the pace, but he moved through the field on the bridle to win by 17 lengths from Loch Long

He is now likely to head to Cheltenham in pursuit of even loftier targets.

Trainer Edward O'Grady said: "Alaivan disappointed us at Christmas but was obviously beaten by a very good horse (Carlito Brigante).

"However, I think today's win, and his debut win, were better performances than his Christmas run and his jumping has improved too.

"Last Wednesday was actually the first day Alaivan really pleased me in a gallop since I got him and hopefully he can build on this."

Dessie Hughes will head to the John Smith's Grand National with two live chances after Vic Venturi led home stablemate Black Apalachi in the At The Races Bobbyjo Chase.

Hughes said: "Vic Venturi was 110% fit today and while he obviously ran a cracker to win, Black Apalachi comes out of the race with equal credit, having just his second run back.

"Both go to Aintree with every chance, but no riding arrangements have been made yet."

Noel Meade's Empire Theatre (13-2) bounced back to winning form in the Early Bird Discounted Tickets For Easter Maiden Hurdle.

Davy Condon, deputising for the injured Paul Carberry, oozed confidence on the King's Theatre gelding, who was adding to his win in a Sligo bumper.

Meade said: "Empire Theatre would prefer slightly better ground and wants three miles. He'll go handicapping now."

Willie Mullins landed a double through Dorset Square (9-4 favourite) in the attheraces.com with Free Timeform Handicap Hurdle and impressive bumper winner Day Of A Lifetime (2-5 favourite), while Nedzer's Return collected the John McCarthy Memorial Hunters Chase.