Macs Joy just got the better of Brave Inca and Hardy Eustace to justify favouritism in an epic finish to the AIG Europe Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown today.
Barry Geraghty had looked the picture of confidence turning for home on the Jessica Harrington-trained gelding when looking over his shoulder at his rivals but was made to fight tooth and nail to grab the Grade One prize.
Solerina had endeavoured to make all the running but was never able to establish a proper lead and was quickly challenged by Macs Joy on the back straight.
Geraghty led approaching the last but Hardy Eustace was hot on his heels, along with Brave Inca.
The latter had never travelled well and made a terrible mess of the the third flight. But he found himself in contention and even led for a stride or two on the run-in only to be pipped by Macs Joy (11-8) by a short head at the line.
Harrington said: "He was headed and battled back but was in front too long today. Barry planned to wait with him and come late, but he got there too soon.
"He handles any ground - even good to firm. I hope it will be the same three coming up the hill at Cheltenham (in the Champion Hurdle). We will just keep him ticking over now. He will have an easy week and we will train him for Cheltenham and hope for the best."
Brave Inca has now been runner-up on all his four starts this season, three times behind Macs Joy.
His trainer Colm Murphy said: "Turning in from the bend he was a bad fourth but he is as tough as nails.
"He stayed on well. He had a hard race but there are eight more weeks before Cheltenham. He didn't like the ground and we are thrilled."
Dessie Hughes, trainer of last year's Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner Hardy Eustace was also delighted and said: "That was as good as a win and the horse is right now.
"He'll come on for the race and will hopefully run a hell of a race at Cheltenham."