Robert Thornton passes the post on Katchit

Robert Thornton was glowing in his praise of Katchit after his diminutive mount defied the statistics to land the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Chetlenham Festival.

Thornton, who hails from Stratton Audley, near Bicester, powered the 10-1 shot home by a length from Osana (9-2), with Punjabi (25-1) five lengths back in third.

In claiming victory, the Alan King-trained gelding became the first five-year-old since See You Then in 1985 to capture hurdling's blue riband.

Sublimity, last year's winner, was fourth, while hot favourite Sizing Europe faded dramatically when push came to shove.

Thornton, who lives at Moreton-in-Marsh, said: "I don't know what to say really - it's unbelievable.

"He's a little terrier. He was flat out all the way to be honest, I didn't want to let Sizing Europe get away.

"He's just so tough. I believed he could (win), but whether he actually would was another thing. I'm delighted."

King added: "It's unbeliev- able!

"I've been so relaxed all day as I honestly didn't think he could win. I said to the owners if he was in the first four I would be very proud of him.

"It was a beautiful ride again and I'm so proud of the team."

Thornton was completing a double after taking the opening Anglo Irish Bank Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Captain Cee Bee (17-2) for trainer Eddie Harty.

7:09pm Tuesday 11th March 2008

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