Racing:Al Eile lowered the colours of a few big guns with a deserved victory in the bewleyshotels.com December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Timmy Murphy's mount powered into a commanding lead after the last to score at odds of 9-2. Dual Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace was second, while 15-8 favourite Jazz Messenger was third.
In what was a really competitive race on paper, all six had chances as they came off the final bend in the two-mile heat.
Hardy Eustace, a valiant second in the Long Walk last Saturday and dropping back to the minimum distance, endeavoured to make all the running under Conor O'Dwyer.
Although he was off the bridle some way from home, Dessie Hughes' star showed typical zeal to keep up with the gallop.
The John Queally-trained Al Eile ghosted up on his outside, however, and consolidated upon a brave second in the "Fighting Fifth" at Newcastle to score going away by a length.
Noel Meade's Jazz Messenger arguably did not have the run of the race and stayed on for third.
Queally said: "He has been up with all the good horses since he was a three-year-old. A lot of them don't train on, but he is the exception to the rule.
"He is the real deal this year and everything was right for him today.
"I will discuss the Champion Hurdle with the owner and an entry will be foremost on our minds, but we need to sit down and talk about it.
"Before then he could go for the Totesport Trophy, although he would have top weight."
VC Bet gave Al Eile a 16-1 quote for the Champion Hurdle.
Hughes was thrilled with Hardy Eustace, who is still under consideration for either the Champion Hurdle or the three-mile World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
"I am delighted with him but the inside track is a little sharp for him and would have suited the winner better," reflected the County Kildare trainer. "The AIG might come a bit quick for him so he might go to Gowran for the Red Mills.
"The two-mile or three-mile option for Cheltenham is still open to him."