There was a host of Cheltenham Festival contenders on show at Leopardstown yesterday but it was Foreman who emerged as a challenger for top honours with a surprise success in the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle.
After a slow early pace scarcely three lengths covered the first five home but it was the 8-1 winner who showed the greatest speed and resolution when it mattered, leading on the run-in to give rider and trainer Thierry Doumen a first Grade One success as the pair held Georges Girl (25-1) by a head.
A tilt at the Smurfit Champion Hurdle by the winner now looks on the cards.
Doumen said: "He was very good as a young horse. He struggled a bit when he took on older horses for the first time but he is catching up with them now.
"We've always known that he had a lot of ability and the left-handed track suited him today. He has a good turn of foot - he was Listed class on the Flat.
"He likes good ground and he has done the job well."
Foreman has an entry in next month's Tote Gold Trophy at Newbury. But connections are keeping their options open as to whether he will go there and face an early confrontation with Champion Hurdle favourite Rooster Booster or wait for the following month to meet him.
Despite finishing back in fourth spot, Spirit Leader remains on course for the Champion Hurdle.
Her trainer Jessica Harrington said: "A falsely-run race like that, which turned into a sprint, was never going to suit us today. She didn't run a bad race and she is still on course for the Festival."
PA