CHELTENHAM 15:20

All 8 ran. Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 50.9s Closing Sectional: (3.85f): 54.3s (99.4%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 117%, Betfair SP 100.7%

A relatively small field but a representative one, with 2 previous winners in the line up, as well as the last 2 winners of the Baring Bingham, the form of nearly all the signficant trials well represented too, Faugheen boasting the best form this season with his win at Kempton; as such there was a predictable air to the outcome, though that doesn't tell the whole story, Faugheen benefiting from a really well-judged ride in front, the pace picking up only 3 out, the runner-up perhaps a shade better than the distances indicate; Faugheen led home a clean sweep on a remarkable day for his stable, Willie Mullins winning this race for the third time in 5 years as well as landing a third successive Supreme and the inaugural Grade 1 running of the Mares Hurdle, with the Arkle thrown in for good measure.

FAUGHEEN (IRE) had shown the best form in this division this season when winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton last time and hardly needed to improve to follow up, taking his winning run over hurdles to 8, given a well-judged waiting-in-front ride from Ruby Walsh, fluffing the second-last the most anxious moment for his supporters; led, travelled well, quickened 3 out, not fluent next, ridden straight, found extra; he is open to improvement still and likely to add further successes before he has to meet Douvan, hopefully in this race in 2016.

ARCTIC FIRE (GER) proved better than ever, progressing fully 20 lb this season, since his second in last year's County Hurdle, if anything a shade better than the result, coming from off the pace in a steadily-run race; held up, headway 3 out, kept on well straight, chased leader run-in, kept on; given his stable's wealth of talent in this division, it wasn't entirely surprising that his trainer suggested a campaign geared to a challenge for the Melbourne Cup in November.

HURRICANE FLY (IRE) ran a gallant race, strictly a bit below his season's best, but this not playing to his current strengths anything like so well as the races he contests in Ireland; in touch, travelled well, effort home turn, chased leader before last, not quicken run-in; he's been a tremendous horse in his time, for ability, attitude and durability a fantastic standard-setter for the sport, and if this proves to be his last appearance at Cheltenham, he went out with honour, and there may yet be a swansong to come at Punchestown.

JEZKI (IRE) failed to meet expectations, behind Hurricane Fly yet again and with no excuses this time, just not at the moment the horse he was in this race in 2014 (when he got the perfect ride from Barry Geraghty); prominent, challenged 2 out, one paced straight, held when mistake last; he followed up at Punchestown a year ago, but such a prospect looks less likely now, whether he faces Faugheen or Hurricane Fly.

THE NEW ONE (IRE) failed to meet expectations, his lack of speed when faced with this sort of test finding him out, though the way he was hanging in the straight suggests all might not have been well; prominent, ridden before 2 out, not quicken, hung left straight; he will benefit from a return to further at this level and, if he remains over hurdles, then the World Hurdle would surely be the aim at this meeting in 2016.

KITTEN ROCK (FR) was found out in better company, matching the pick of his previous efforts and finishing where he was entitled to on form; in touch, effort 2 out, made no impression; his physique and demeanour, if not his pedigree, suggest a switch to fences next season.

BERTIMONT (FR) had a nice day out in the sun; held up, mistake 3 out, not persevered with once held.

VANITEUX (FR) was a token runner for a stable whose best 2m hurdler had missed the season and he predictably made no impact; waited with, left behind before 2 out, not persevered with once held.