But on Saturday he showed the ability remains when finishing second to Zarkandar in the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton under Brennan on his first start for nearly two years.

“Mr Henderson did exceptionally well to get him back in that sort of form and I was over the moon with him,” said Brennan on At The Races.

“He’ll improve an awful lot and his jumping will get slicker.

“He loves Cheltenham so he’s a lively outsider for the Champion Hurdle and he might just be placed.

“He’s been an unbelievable horse to me and I’m extremely grateful to Caroline Mould for letting me ride him.”