Racing: Asian Maze led her rivals a merry dance to land the Grade One Scottish And Newcastle Aintree Hurdle under Ruby Walsh at Aintree this afternoon.
A recent faller in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Walsh made sure there was no hanging about aboard the 4-1 chance and made sure it was a thorough test of stamina.
Former champion Hardy Eustace (5-2) looked to be travelling as well as the winner with half a mile to run but the Tom Mullins-trained mare pulled 17 lengths clear up the straight.
Coral Cup winner Sky's The Limit (11-4) also travelled well for a long way but finished a further seven lengths back in third.
Last year's winner Al Eile was a huge disappointment after mistaking a mistake on the first circuit and was never competitive.
Walsh said: "People were having a go at Tom Mullins for running her in the Champion Hurdle but I was cantering in the Champion Hurdle (when she fell), so he got it completely right and she has proved that today.
"She couldn't win over two miles around here but two miles in the Champion Hurdle is totally different and it is a tough race. The likes of Hardy Eustace and Brave Inca are stayers and she is a champion hurdler.
"I love this mare and I am delighted for the man that trains her."