Hurricane Fly shot straight to the head of the Champion Hurdle market with Sky Bet following his stylish win in the Grade 1 Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Renewing rivalry with Solwhit from Fairyhouse, whose scalp he took on his comeback over 2m4f a fortnight ago, Willie Mullins’ charge was even more impressive moving into the lead at the last and cruising home on the run-in without being extended.

Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: ‘Although the sprint finish did not suit Solwhit, it was hard not be impressed with the way Hurricane Fly has done it on his return to two miles without even coming out of first gear.’

Big Zeb repeated last year’s win in the Dial-A-Bet Chase earlier on the card and the reigning Queen Mother champion has been left unchanged at 3/1 to retain his crown at Cheltenham next March.

Over at a fog shrouded Newbury, a Paul Nicholls four-timer was highlighted by Big Buck’s facile victory in the rearranged Long Walk Hurdle. The dual World Hurdle winner remains a 4/6 shot with Sky Bet for his Festival hat-trick bid.

The red letter day for the Champion trainer also included the classy victory of Ghizao, who is the new 6/1 favourite with Sky Bet for the Arkle after his opening race success in the novices’ chase. 

Jonjo O’Neill prevented Nicholls from stealing the show completely by sending out Backspin to canter home in the Challow Hurdle. The easy winner is now 7/1 joint favourite with Sky Bet for the Neptune Investments Novices’