Buveur D’Air became only the third horse to win consecutive Champion Hurdles in thirty years following a hard-earned victory on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Nicky Henderson’s seven-year-old won this contest comfortably last season, and hasn’t been really troubled in all four victories since his win a year ago.
Under Barry Geraghty he was ridden just behind the leaders, before travelling home strongly and fighting off Willie Mullins’ Melon in a tight finish.
"He was tough and what a great race,” said the Lambourn trainer.
“They've gone a gallop there you wouldn't believe they would keep up in that ground and they have quickened again all the way up the hill.
"He had a battle on his hands today and in a funny way that's the first race he's had this year. It's just been in the back of my mind and has always worried me.
"That was the first time he's had to put his head down and fight."
Jockey Barry Geraghty missed out on the Festival last season with an injury, but he was very impressed with the now six-time Grade One winner.
"He's very good, you don't win them back to back unless you are very good,” added jockey Barry Geraghty.
“He's a top-class horse. "He won it the hard way, he battled hard. I tried to save as much as I could on the turn in and go for him as late as possible and he found when it was needed.
“He proved there he was a better horse than he was last year. He dug deep and scrapped it out.”
- 1st: Buveur D'Air
- 2nd: Melon
- 3rd: Mick Jazz
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Leading Irish trainer Willie Mullins enjoyed another fantastic day the Festival, swooping three winners from seven races.
Footpad was the most impressive winner of the trio, as he ran out a stylish fourteen length winner of the Arkle.
The six-year-old was ridden patiently by Ruby Walsh, before seeing off front runner Petit Mouchoir in emphatic style. A jubilant Walsh, who returned to riding only a week ago after breaking his leg, punched the air and urged on the packed-out Cheltenham crowd after the win.
Footpad has already been quoted as a 7-2 shot for next year’s Champion Chase.
Mullins’ Benie Des Dieux ran out a shock winner of the Mares Hurdle, as odds-on favourite Apple’s Jade could only finish a disappointing third. Alan King’s outsider Midnight Tour took second spot.
In the opening Supreme Novice Hurdle, Summerville Boy ran out a narrow winner with a great ride from Noel Fehily.
Last seen winning the Tolworth at Sandown, he quickened up well to deny Amy Murphy’s Kalashnikov in the final few strides. Willie Mullins’ favourite Getabird finished unplaced.
Lizzie Kelly enjoyed her first taste of Festival success with Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima Handicap Chase, whilst Mister Whitaker won for former footballer, turned trainer, Mick Channon.
