World hat-trick for super Drever

The 11-8 favourite, winner in 2005 and 2007, stormed up the hill in the hands of Denis O'Regan to hold the persistent challenge of Kasbah Bliss, with Kazal third. The nine-year-old, trained by Howard Johnson and owned by Graham Wylie, retained his crown in typically stout fashion, much to the delight of the packed grandstands.

O'Regan told Channel 4 Racing: "What a horse! I can't believe it, it's a dream. He's a serious horse. I never panicked and I was never in any trouble. He just takes off. It was a good jump at the last and he did the rest."

Johnson enthused: "It feels great, he missed a year and he's come good again. All credit to the horse firstly. Andrea and Graham (Wylie) have been very good supporters for the yard and I'm pleased for them. It's just unbelievable."

The County Durham handler had mentioned the possibility of retiring Inglis Drever if he won a third World Hurdle but has yet to reach a decision.

Johnson added: "I'll have a word with Graham at the end of the season and if he's a chance of winning the Order of Merit I might think about going to Aintree, my lucky course. We might come back for one more next year but he won't have a lot more races. It was near enough the best training performance of my life.

"He is a like a little Jack Russell as he tries - like me. To come from being a sheep and cattle farmer to having two winners at Cheltenham this week is some achievement. I have trained some good horses but I would say he is number one, and he is the toughest."

Wylie said: "I was quiet until he came over the last and then I was going crackers. It was a great performance by Howard Johnson, it's just fantastic. We knew the horses were in good form and the good horses have run very well."

Francois Doumen was adamant conditions went against runner-up Kasbah Bliss and said: "I don't like to make excuses - we've been beaten by a champion - but there's no doubt he's better on better ground. It was quite slow and tacky out there, but who is to say Inglis Drever would not have preferred it that way as well?"

Trainer Eoin Griffin was bowled over by the performance of Kazal. He said: "We are very proud of him as it was his first time at this level. I thought coming round the home turn we might just win, but what can you say about Inglis Drever? My fellow has run a cracker and we will now look at Punchestown."