The first race of the Cheltenham Festival went to Ireland as Labaik claimed the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle for trainer Gordon Elliott and 17-year-old jockey Jack Kennedy.
The grey six-year-old belied odds of 25-1 to readily deny compatriot and 3-1 favourite Melon by two and a quarter lengths.
"Words can't describe what it's like," Kennedy told ITV Racing.
"I was probably a little bit far back but they went a good gallop.
"It couldn't have gone any better.
Labaik's career had been blighted by truculence as he has twice refused to race and was hardly a willing runner when sixth at Naas last month.
25-1 shot Labaik springs a huge shock in the opener under a brilliant ride by 17-year-old Jack Kennedy to beat 3-1JF Melon #TheFestival pic.twitter.com/65dJi2vHh3
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) March 14, 2017
Labaik benefited from a stealthy Kennedy ride as he only burst into contention after the long-time leader Cilaos Emery faded after the last flight.
The much-vaunted Melon turned in a really accomplished display for one so inexperienced, but Ruby Walsh's partner could simply not live with the winner, who was providing Kennedy with a first Festival triumph.
River Wylde finished third but was another eight lengths in arrears.
1.30 Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle (Grade 1) result
— RTÉ Racing (@RTEracing) March 14, 2017
1 Labaik 25-1
2 Melon 3-1JF
3 River Wylde 8-1 #CheltenhamFestival
Listen to all the action from Cheltenham live on RTÉ Radio from 1pm on Radio 1 Extra and LW, and on the Ray D'Arcy Show from 3pm.
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