Constitution Hill lit up day one of the Cheltenham Festival as he took the Unibet Champion Hurdle crown in sublime style.
This race had been seen as the six-year-old's date with destiny ever since romping to victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle 12 months ago - and Nicky Henderson's charge did not disappoint, much to the delight of a packed Prestbury Park crowd.
Sent off at odds of 4-11, jockey Nico de Boinville was keen to keep things simple and had the Michael Buckley-owned winner tracking I Like To Move It, who was setting the fractions.
Travelling with supreme ease, Constitution Hill's super-slick hurdling saw him breeze to the front after three out and De Boinville was simply nudging his mount forwards as he drew clear of the chasing back rounding the turn for home.
He was soon sauntering up the hill with victory secured and De Boinville was able to turn to the crowd and milk the applause as Constitution Hill won in a canter, nine lengths ahead of Willie Mullins' State Man.
Victory saw De Boinville join an illustrious role of honour to have won the Festival's three biggest prizes, while Constitution Hill crushed the trends to become the first horse since dual race winner Bula's first Champion Hurdle triumph in 1971 to follow up victory in the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
For Henderson, he added Champion Hurdle number nine to his illustrious CV and there is every chance this could be the best of the lot to step foot in Seven Barrows.
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Henderson told ITV Racing: "He's just an extraordinary horse. You can't believe at this stage of his life he's doing things like that.
"He is just remarkable and Nico is great, he's a cool boy isn't he!
"You are always worried something is going to go wrong, if you haven't done enough, or this or that or the other - he hasn't run since Christmas.
"Of course there is pressure on, it's always fun but underneath it, it's not quite as much fun as you think it is. When it's over, I promise you it is."
De Boinville added: "What a horse, just absolutely delighted.
"He's given me a terrific spin and I'm delighted for Michael (Buckley, owner). The guv'nor has done a fantastic job - everyone at Seven Barrows (has)."
De Boinville now boasts wins in the Champion Hurdle, Champion Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup.
He said: "On a personal level, it's been a dream of mine to get the big three and I'm delighted I've achieved it."
State Man had come into the race on the back of four Grade One wins and six successive victories in total but Mullins had no complaints.
Mullins said: "We ran very well, we just met a proper champion hurdler.
"We were happy, we've no excuses. Well done to Nicky and Michael and the team.
"Nico gave him a brave man’s ride. He set out and had the confidence he was on the best horse.
"I’m delighted for all the connections."
