Rock on Ruby provided his trainer Paul Nicholls with a first ever Champion Hurdle triumph as he stormed to victory on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old stormed to a surprise victory at odds of 11-1 in the two-mile contest as red-hot odds-on favourite Hurricane Fly with Ruby Walsh on board was left trailing in third.

Jockey Noel Fehily gave him a superb round the final turn and up the Cheltenham hill to pass the plucky pace-making Overturn (20-1) who held on for second place.

"I was told not to worry about sending him on but I was worried going to the last as he was pulling up a little bit, but he picked up again afterwards,” said Fehily.

"The ground probably suited him a little bit today, he was very well on the day."

Reigning Champion Hurdle champion Hurricane Fly (4-6) left his challenge too late as jockey Ruby Walsh worked hard on him to reach the leaders. But the effort was only enough to finish third.

Another former champion Binocular, with champion jockey Tony McCoy on board, tracked Hurricane Fly throughout but struggled to feature.

But neither were as good as Rock on Ruby, one of Nicholls’ four runners in the race, on the day.

Nicholls, Jump Racing’s Champion Trainer, said: “It's just testament to the whole team. It's a really tremendous effort and everyone is going to be thrilled.

“This horse [Rocky On Ruby] is a seven-year-old, he's the right age, and it's brilliant. It was a great ride by Noel. He's a good man and has got a great winner. This is awesome.”

Earlier in the day, Sprinter Sacre outlined his potential in the Grade One Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase by comfortably strolling to victory for Barry Geraghty.

The Nicky Henderson trained five-year-old tracked second placed Cue Card and Al Ferof, who beat him at Cheltenham over hurdles last year, early on.

The odds on favourite extended and asserted his dominance in the two mile contest after pre-race second favourite Al Ferof made a mistake under Walsh four fences from home.

He then lengthened his stride clear of the runner-up Cue Card up the Cheltenham hill.

Sprinter Sacre’s performance has only enhanced his growing reputation and William Hill are already offering odds of 6-4 for next years Champion Chase.

In the first race of the day Cinders and Ashes brought home a field of 19 competitors in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle Grade One.

The Williams Mullins trained five-year-old held off a brave finish from McCoy’s mount Darlan to succeed by a length at 10-1.

Cinders and Ashes stoked the field under Jason Maquire before making his move just off the last to pull clear.

Darlan was heavily laid on the betting exchanges prior to the start falling from 9/2 to 10-1. Despite the market’s fears the hurdler produced a strong finish to place ahead of Trifolium in third.

The three mile Specialty Handicap Chase was won by JP McMaus owned Alfie Sherrin (16-1) for jockey Richie Mclernon and trainer Jonjo O’Neil after he caught long-time leader Fruity O’Rooney 50 yards from home.