The Paul Nicholl's trained Santuaire landed a mighty gamble when turning turning the Fred Winter into a procession.
Ruby Walsh eventually brought home the 4-1 shot , who was backed in from 13-2, by nine lengths from his toiling rivals in what is regarded as one of the most fiercely competitive races of the meeting.
The ex-French four-year-old, who was bought by connections for 80,000 euros after two promising starts in his native country, was given an ultra confident ride by Walsh who held him up of the pace before scything through the pack like a knife through butter to lead at the last and sprint clear with the minimum of fuss.
David Pipe's Notus De La Tour ran a fine race to finish second, with oustider Orsippus staying on well to grab third after meeting trouble in running and Son Amix clinging on for fourth.
But in truth they were all chasing shadows, as Sanctuaire won with any amount in hand to once again provided the Nicholls/Walsh combination with another Festival success.
