Istabraq recaptured his winning ways with a workmanlike victory in the Tote December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown today.
The Aidan O'Brien-trained triple Smurfit Champion Hurdle victor came to grief on his last public appearance at the Dublin track in April.
But there was no mistake today as the 4-11 chance led after the last to get the better of Bust Out by just a head.
Charlie Swan was not hard on Istabraq on the run-in and appeared to score with something in hand.
Chief market rival Liss A Paoraigh took a heavy fall at the second flight and in the process hampered Bust Out.
But Istabraq stayed clear of the trouble and despite stepping at the third last never gave his legions of supporters much to worry about.
He remains a best-priced 13-8 with Coral to record an unprecedented fourth Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham in March.
Istabraq has now won 23 of his 28 starts over hurdles and has been ridden by Charlie Swan on every occasion.