Ruby Walsh rode Klassical Dream to a stunning victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, the first race of the 2019 Cheltenham Festival.
The Willie Mullins-trained horse was well-fancied to go well on ground that softened after heavy morning rain, and was sent off 6-1.
Outsider Brandon Castle jumped out at the start to make the early running, but Walsh reeled him in with a circuit to go and never surrendered the lead with a brilliant composed ride.
Betfair Hurdle winner Al Dancer and Gordon Elliott’s Felix Desjy put it up to him between two and three out, but faded up the Cheltenham hill.
There was also a brilliant result for young trainer Olly Murphy, with 28/1 and 25/1 shots Thomas Darby and Itchy Feet coming in second and third, with four-year-old joint-favourite Fakir D'oudairies in fourth.
The result will no doubt strike fear into the hearts of opposing trainers and jockeys, with Walsh and Mullins finding feet so early in the week.
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