Brighterdaysahead relished the step up in trip to showcase her best once again on Merseyside and secure William Hill Aintree Hurdle glory.
Gordon Elliott's star mare had secured top honours over this course and distance as a novice in 2024 but has since predominantly raced over shorter where she has been one of the standout performers in the two-mile hurdling division.
After coming off second best in another tussle with Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, she was sent off the 13-8 favourite to gain compensation in the hands of Jack Kennedy and was always towards the fore alongside Potters Charm.
Having led the runners into the home straight and over three flights from home, Dan Skelton's The New Lion emerged on the scene looking a real danger in the hands of the trainer's brother.
However, a costly error at the last put paid to his chances allowing Brighterdaysahead to scoot clear for a two-and-a-quarter-length success in what could turn out to be her hurdling swansong.
Earlier Mange Tout refused to be beaten in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle for the Elliott/Kennedy combination.
The filly was a 5-1 chance as she turned up at the meeting fresh having last been seen in February.
In a field of 10 she was always travelling, and after taking up the lead she fought off a challenge from Triumph Hurdle fourth Selma De Vary (9-4 favourite) - who was one place in front of the winner when they met at the Dublin Racing Festival - to prevail by three-quarters of a length.
