Alexander gamble foiled in Fred Winter

A gamble on Alexander Severus went astray as Silk Affair stayed on best up the punishing hill to provide rider Tom O'Brien with his first Cheltenham Festival win in the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices' Handicap Hurdle.

The Mick Quinlan-trained filly took up the running from well-backed 5-2 favourite Alexander Severus at the final flight, and never looked like being caught from that point.

Ski Sunday was three lengths back in second, with Saticon another three quarters of a length adrift in third.

Alexander Severus travelled like the winner for most of the race but the steep climb to the line proved too much for him, weakening to finish another one and three quarter lengths away in fourth.

O'Brien said, 'I'm really delighted because I've ridden her all season. She just kept building and building and has got a real future. She puts her head down and gallops like a greyhound.'

Noel Quinlan, brother and assistant to the winning trainer, said 'After this she deserves a rest. For me, she could turn into a David Nicholson or World Hurdle filly next year.'

'Last year we spent all our time chasing black type on the Flat, running in races like the Irish Oaks. There is a Grade Three race at Fairyhouse at Easter but, if the owner agrees, we'll give her a nice break.'

'The only worry I had was the ground drying out as she has won over two and a half miles on stiff tracks. Tom has a very cool head and rides a good race.'

Edward O'Grady, trainer of vanquished favourite Alexander Severus, said 'The jockey felt he didn't get up the hill.'