Punjabi takes Champion glory

Punjabi landed the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in a thrilling three-way finish.

Barry Geraghty's mount just wore down Celestial Halo in a war of attrition up the final hill, and then held on as hot favourite Binocular tried unsuccessfully to claw back the front two.

Nicky Henderson's charge was sent off a 22-1 shot, having finished third in the race last season, and won by a neck and a head.

It was a fourth Champion Hurdle victory for Henderson, who saddled first and third this time, as he won it three times with See You Then.

There were really only three in it turning for home and Punjabi was not that fluent at the last, but when Geraghty asked for everything, he got a great response.

The jockey said: "Happy days. I thought I had Ruby (on Celestial Halo) well covered turning in and he ran on really well. He was all out, it was a great performance.

"I tipped a Nicky Henderson one-two. There was one in between, but it's brilliant. It's my first winner for Nicky at Cheltenham as well."

The trainer added: "It takes you back. Those great days of See You Then were very special and it's nice to be back with horses that can do this sort of thing.

"Punjabi has always been a very talented horse and Barry gets on very well with him.

"Both of mine have run tremendous races. It's very special to see them both there, with Celestial Halo in between them. You think you have two chances and you've still got one to beat - a great race."