Nichols Canyon completed a sensational 75-1 Grade 1 treble for Mullins and Walsh when landing the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle.
Nichols Canyon brought back memories of the great Inglis Drever by flying up the Cheltenham hill to win the Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle for owner Graham Wylie.
The multiple Grade 1 winner, who was an admirable third in last season’s Champion Hurdle, had only previously run once over three miles but he produced a power-packed finish under Ruby Walsh to plunder the day-three feature from gallant runner up Lil Rockerfeller.
The success completes a stunning 75-1 Grade 1 treble for the jockey/trainer combination on the day and means Walsh sits atop of the festival top jockey table.
Red-hot favourite Unowhatimeanharry travelled ominously well into contention but couldn't get past the ultra-tough runner up and, as that pair drifted to the centre of the track, Nichols Canyon flew up the stands rail to land the spoils.
A delighted Graham Wylie said: "When I told Willie to buy a horse for me, he rang me up and said 'I think I've found you the next Inglis Drever'. He looks like Inglis Drever as he's only a pony, but he flew up the hill. Ruby told me he'd ride him like that to make sure he got the trip.
"It wasn't until approaching the last I thought he might get placed, never mind win. With the problems with Faugheen and Annie Power we thought he'd be a Champion Hurdle horse, but it hasn't gone right.
"It's only been the last two weeks he's started to show anything, but this is great. Willie is a genius."
