In delivering a third Champion Hurdle crown to the Closutton residence of trainer Willie Mullins, Faugheen silenced the doubters with a display of authority which established him as the leading hurdler in these isles — a position the unbeaten seven-year-old promises to command for a considerable period.

Jessica Harrington is confident Jezki is in at least as good a form as 12 months ago as he prepares to defend his crown in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham today.

"I made money nearly every day last year," John Francome begins before delivering the punchline with precision timing.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Jezki, fourth of four behind Hurricane Fly in the Irish equivalent at Leopardstown, turned the form right around when storming to victory in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham yesterday.