Katchit claims Champion crown

Katchit put up an immensely gutsy display to land a famous victory in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, the feature race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Alan King's little battler, who took the Triumph Hurdle 12 months ago, became the first five-year-old since See You Then in 1985 to win the big race.

Osana tried to make all and stayed on again when Katchit (10-1) took over under Robert Thornton, but just had to give best by a length, while Punjabi ran on to pip last year's winner Sublimity for third.

Hot favourite Sizing Europe moved menacingly for most of the contest but faded dramatically when push came to shove, while Harchibald never landed a blow in the softened ground.

Delighted trainer King told Channel 4 Racing: "It's unbelievable! I've been so relaxed all day as I honestly didn't think he could win. I said to the owners if he was in the first four I would be very proud of him. It was a beautiful ride again and I'm so proud of the team."

Thornton added: "I don't know what to say really - it's unbelievable. He's a little terrier. He was flat out all the way, to be honest. I didn't want to let Sizing Europe get away.

"He's just so tough. I believed he could win, but whether he actually would was another thing. I'm delighted."