Big Bucks won the World Hurdle for the third successive year after a thrilling battle with young pretender Grands Crus.
Paul Nicholls' gelding re-wrote the history books by becoming the first horse ever to land the stayers crown three years on the trot, and did it despite Ruby Walsh dropping his whip after the second last.
In what turned out to be a tactical affair, Ruby always had Andy Stewart's pride and joy near the head of affairs.
By stark contrast Grands Crus was held up off the pace, but those tactics were clearly the plan and after creeping into the race on the bridle he threw down a determined challenge approaching the last.
Tom Scu delivered him with a perfectly time challenged at the final flight, but Big Bucks and Ruby landed with a length advantage.
It was then all to play for and as the grey began to draw level it looked as if he may deny Big Bucks.
But Big Bucks (10-11 fav) is a class act, and he dug deep and found extra under a hands and heels drive to score by a length and a half.
Willie Mullins' Mourad ran a blinder to finish third.
The winning jockey said: "He's an aeroplane, but I made a bad mistake as I dropped my stick halfway to the last hurdle.
"It was my own fault as I was trying to see where the others were behind me so I was only half-watching what I was doing.
"I knew I had loads of horse left, but I knew it was going to be tactical and that Grands Crus was going to try to follow me.
"This horse has matured so much mentally you can stretch him in front and he has dug deep. He had an entry in the Arkle but I've always thought he could run a big race in the Champion Hurdle.
"I was lucky enough to get away with it today.He's a wonderful horse and he's got me out of trouble."
