It all went according to plan in the end. Istabraq duly collected his third successive Smurfit Champion Hurdle despite the nosebleed which had caused so much concern among the horse's connections and punters this morning.
The hurdling king staked his claim for immortality with a stunning display which barely saw him out of a canter.
His complete dominance over his rivals was once again in evidence as he cruised up to head Blue Royal at the last before sprinting clear under Charlie Swan for a comfortable four lengths success.
The pace had been strong from the start with Make A Stand bidding to repeat his front-running success in 1997.
There was to be no repeat of that victory, however, as Katarino headed him before three out. Last year's Triumph Hurdle winner came under pressure from two out as Blue Royal emerged to take them for home with Istabraq cruising on the rail.
The result never looked in doubt as Charlie Swan slipped through on the inner to unleash his challenge approaching the last.
Hors La Loi ran on from the back to grab second but Istabraq once again proved that he is in a class of his own over the smaller obstacles and was quoted at only 5/4 by William Hill to win an unprecedented fourth Champion Hurdle next year.
'They went very quick and I was caught for room a few times.' revealed Swan afterwards.
'I was always very happy. He was always travelling a bit lazy but he's at his best when he's like that.'
'He was as good as he ever was today.'
Aidan O'Brien revealed that they still didn't know what caused the nosebleed yesterday.
'It was a very worrying time and we don't know what it was. We'll take him home and have a look.'
'He was on edge today. We knew by his behaviour this morning. Charlie was supremely confident, however, and had no worries at all.'
'He got a terrific reception coming in. The atmosphere is unbelievable. You could walk on air coming in here today.'
Owner JP McManus, swamped by a sea of Irish racegoers in the winning enclosure, paid tribute to the role played by O'Brien.
'I got a nose bleed myself when I heard. I was wondering if it was a virus. I can't really describe this. I knew Aidan would make the right decision.'
'The horse is a real hero. The reception was unbelievable. I can't explain how I feel.'
How they Finished:
1st Istabraq
2nd Hors La Loi III (4L)
3rd Blue Royal Neck (nk)
4th Ashley Park (nk)
5th Stage Affair (2L)
6th Dato Star (4L)
7th Katarino (shd)
8th Mr Percy (1L)
9th Theatreworld (19L)
10th Alka International (22L)
11th Make A stand (10L)
Pulled Up Balla Sola
All 12 Ran
Winning Time: 3.48:00 (course record)
