Alveena delivers her challenge in Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Alveena got on top close home to land the spoils in the mile and a half handicap at Leopardstown.
She appeared to be going the best on the home turn but was made to battle for the victory by Here For The Craic (14/1) who gave best by three parts of a length. Repeater (12/1) completed the placings in third, beaten three lengths by the winner.
This brought up a double for the Aga Khan, Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen who took the preceding race with Harzand
Dermot Weld said: "She did her job. She was a consistent filly last year.
“She had to battle to win and that's what she did. We'll try and see if she can repeat that performance in another handicap.”
Alveena was backed from 13/8 to 5/4 before racing and went off the even-money favourite.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
