Faugheen made every yard of the running to win the Queally Group Celebrating 35 Years In Naas Punchestown Champion Hurdle, the highlight on day four of the Festival.
Yet another Grade One scorer for Willie Mullins this week, he only had three rivals to beat having scared off any would-be suitors given his commanding display at Cheltenham.
Ruby Walsh was allowed to dictate matters at his own pace and did not appear to be going much of a gallop until quickening the tempo four from home.
Arctic Fire loomed up coming out of the back straight, but as soon as Walsh gave Faugheen (1-6 favourite) a squeeze the response was immediate and the race was over.
In winning he took his record to a perfect 10 out of 10 in his career to date.
David Pipe should be rewarded for his placing of Dell' Arca, who was third throughout, with Tiger Roll fourth.
"When Paul Townend (on Arctic Fire) pulled up he was making the sound of a jet and that is exactly what he is," said Walsh.
"He even pricked his ears after the last, he's like an aeroplane. He's a pleasure to ride, I felt I went quicker than I did at Cheltenham today.
"You can't compare him with others, Hurricane Fly in his heyday was a machine, as was Istabraq, you can't compare them - he's just a brilliant racehorse."
Mullins said: "That was a good performance. Ruby didn't hang around and kept applying the pressure from the front. It was a gutsy ride.
"On the book he had one horse to beat and that was Arctic Fire. He wasn't on the bridle at any stage, though, and when he's not on the bridle you know he's going some pace.
"Arctic Fire is a fair opponent and Ruby wasn't going to let him into it and use his speed. He was just afraid of Arctic Fire's speed and piled it on from the front to dampen his fire.
"From a mile out he started to apply it and I was wondering if he'd crack from so far out, but he knew what he had underneath him.
"His jumping is better going faster. Ruby kept asking the questions and at every hurdle he picked up.
"He's done it now in year one and we'll let him tell us how good he can be. Our Conor looked invincible when he won the Triumph, but fate can go against you.
"I believe in him but he has to stand the test of time. He's very, very good. We'll see now if the handicapper puts him past Hurricane Fly.
"I don't know if we'll travel back to England with him next season (before Cheltenham) or stay at home. I'll have a word with the owner.
"We know he can travel to England and back and it doesn't seem to take anything out of him. But maybe we'll stay at home and tackle the Irish horses.
"When I look at Douvan he says novice chaser to me and that's obvious enough unless connections change my mind."
