The blank year is forgotten as Geraghty is crowned champion again on Buveur

This was not Barry Geraghty's first Champion Hurdle. He had won it once for Nicky Henderson and once for JP McManus. This time he won it for both of them, a few years older but, as he showed more than once in the race, no less wise.

From 2002 to 2016 Geraghty netted at least one festival prize every year. Last season that record came to an end. His excuse was good. At Kempton in late February he punctured a lung and broke six ribs. The horse he was riding, Charli Parcs, played a role in helping Geraghty resume normal service.

The Champion Hurdle field stream over the second flightCredit: Edward Whitaker

As Buveur D'Air's pacemaker, Charli Parcs led for much of this Champion Hurdle, eventually giving way to Faugheen and Ruby Walsh, who then came close to hugging Geraghty as their two mounts lent on each other running down the hill. With Paul Townend cruising on Melon to his rear, Geraghty knew what was happening.

"Ruby was trying to make a bit of room for Paul and I was trying to make sure there wasn't a lot," he said.