Racing:Bookmakers have taken different views on whether Sublimity can retain his Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle crown after taking the title from Brave Inca in stunning fashion on the opening day of Cheltenham 2007.
Last year's hero had seen off dual champion Hardy Eustace and 6-4 favourite Detroit City among others by the time they had reached two from home, but the John Carr-trained seven-year-old was always cantering in behind.
The 16-1 shot out-sprinted Brave Inca up the hill to collect by three lengths, with Afsoun staying on for third a neck back and the admirable Hardy Eustace the same distance away in fourth.
Sublimity is a standout 8-1 with Betfred to repeat the feat next March, with Cashmans 7-1 and totesport 5-1, but Ladbrokes just 7-2.
The win was by far the biggest of his career for Carr, a farmer with 50 horses from Maynooth."He was the best horse in the race by far and the strong gallop played into our hands," he said.
"I didn't know if he would win as I have never had a Champion Hurdle horse, but I wouldn't mind a few more like him!
"I was leaning for the County Hurdle because he would have been a certainty off his weight in that, and we could have gone to the Champion Hurdle next year.
"But by this time next year the horse could have been injured or I could have been dead - there's only one Champion Hurdle and with top-class horses disaster is always round the corner.
"He goes so well fresh and has won so many races first time out, so I'm not complaining."
The win was also a career milestone for rider Philip Carberry, who for so long has lived in the shadow of his elder brother, Paul.
"I couldn't believe how well he was travelling going down to the last," said Carberry. "What a horse, he is the best horse I've ever ridden or ever likely to.
"He's beaten some fantastic horses in the shape of Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace, but he has beaten them on merit.
"I have been very lucky to ride him from day one. He is a very good horse and he has proved it here."