Alighted another bright prospect for Getaway

Leopardstown’s post-Christmas bumpers traditionally throw up a whole host of future National Hunt stars and many at the Foxrock track on Thursday believed they’d had seen a horse destined for huge things.

Gigginstown House Stud’s Alighted (4g Getaway-Knocksouna Lady, by Oscar) lined up in a race that looked full of excited prospects but, despite looking green, the Getaway gelding asserted in the closing stages under Barry O’Neill to put a length and a half between himself and his dozen rivals.

Winning trainer Joseph O’Brien reported: “He’d been working nicely at home and we liked him and thought he’d run well but felt he’d be a bit immature to win. The penny dropped late and he quickened up well.

“He should learn a lot from that as Barry said that he was ducking at the rail throughout the race. He’s an immature horse but a horse with an engine. He'll learn a lot and he's an exciting horse to look forward to.

"He quickened up very well and got to the line very well. It was probably a strong race so we’re really looking forward to him next year when he jumps a hurdle."

Alighted, bred by Henry Flynn, has continued a fabulous purple patch for Getaway and the winning jockey felt this four-year-old could be putting his sire’s name in lights.

“He’s an exciting prospect,” said O’Neill. “He was pretty green throughout. Leaving the back he was shying away from the rail. He had loads left and he will come on loads from this and he will improve a ton."