The winner of the race was Buveur d'Air, a six year old French-bred British-trained racehorse ridden by Noel Fehily and trained by Nicky Henderson.
Petit Mouchoir (6/1) was representative of the Irish best hope coming on the back of two Grade 1s including the Irish Champion Hurdle in which Footpad (14/1) finished only 1 length in second and was the choice of Ruby Walsh in this race from the Willie Mullins yard who had left home with injuries both of the previous Champion Hurdle winners in Annie Power (2016) and Faugheen (2015).
Trainer Nicky Henderson took advantage of the situation at the head of the market and changed the plans of his horse Buveur D'Air (5/1) at the end of January[3] which started the season over fences but had good credentials over hurdles after placing third in a very competitive renewal of last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle.
Buveur d'Air settled in mid-division as Petit Mouchoir set the early pace, and moved into contention after the fifth flight.
He overtook Petit Mouchoir approaching the final obstacle and drew away on the run-in to win by four and a half lengths.