Big Zeb ran out the brilliant winner of the Queen Mother Champion Chase under a power packed ride from Barry Geraghty.
Colm Murphy's nine-year-old, who had been so disappointing in all his runs out of Ireland before today, was always travelling sweetly behind the leaders as Tony mcCoy and Forpadydeplasterer forced the pace from the front.
Last year's Arkle hero jumped for fun in the hands of the champ and had them all in trouble two from home - bar Big Zeb.
Geraghty was still sitting with a double handful as the pair pulled clear of the field rounding the home turn and when he asked his mount to quicken the response was immediate.
He quickly put a couple of lengths between himself and Forpady, but supporters of the eventually runner-up then had some cause for optimism as he began to idle on the run-in.
Geraghty really had to get serious to keep the 10-1 short up to his work and fend off a rallying Forpady, but the horse answered every question asked of him and held on gamely from the gallant runner-up with Kalahari King staying on late to grab third.
A delighted Geraghty said: "That was a great performance. He had jumped well all year apart from his disappointing effort at Sandown and was spot on today. he had a good look round after the last but found enough when he needed to."
Winning trainer Colm Murphy added: "That was absolutely unbelievable. It's one of those things you hope will happen but for it to actually happen is incredible."
Disappointment of the race was the 4-5 favourite Master Minded, who was never travelling with his customary ease and was beaten fully three from home. He eventually trailed in fourth.
Big Zeb is now a top priced 9-2 to win next year's Queen Mother, and Forpadydeplaster is a 10-1 shot.
