Nicky Henderson christened Sprinter Sacre his “long dark aeroplane” earlier this season and the red-hot Racing Post Arkle favourite had no trouble living up to his nickname.

To see a Grade One race won with such ease and authority is a rare thing and when Barry Geraghty took a long look over his shoulder approaching the turn into the home straight, it was like he was out for a Sunday morning hack.

Of course, he was leading in supposedly one of the biggest spectacles of the week but as so many had predicted, Sprinter Sacre simply blew his rivals away.

There had been doubters, of course - and many said he might not come up the hill after he faded into third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months earlier.

Geraghty was in no doubt, though, and having tracked Cue Card and Al Ferof at a decent early pace, the jumbo jet simply tanked his way into the lead.

A bad blunder four out cost Al Ferof any chance and while Cue Card stayed on manfully into second with Menorah third, this race was all about one horse.

The seven-length winner was made 7-4 favourite for next year’s Queen Mother Champion Chase.

The win also saw Henderson go equal with Fulke Walwyn on 40 winners as the trainer with the most victories at the Festival.

“It’s nice to get it out of the way on the first day. This was a horse we hoped might do it and he could really be special,” said the Lambourn trainer. “You wait for something to come out of the woodwork and be a real champion and it just might be him.

“He was coming here to show off and he’s done it. That’s the way he loves to do it. He is very flashy and very showy. That jumping was quite unreal. He was always travelling and he’s got up the hill.

“He’s got so much speed and scope, he’s just a dreadful show-off. That was really worth watching today.

“There was no point in Barry stopping him, they gave him a good lead and went a nice pace.

“When he’s jumping like that it’s a joy. He looked a proper horse and he was just showing off.

“We called him the long dark aeroplane beforehand and he did fly.”

Barbury trainer Alan King was unable to get off the mark as his much-fancied Montbazon came fourth in Festival opener the Supreme Novices Hurdle, trailing winner Cinders And Ashes.

King said: “He’s run a nice race and was only beaten two lengths. He’s a lovely horse and one to look forward to next year.”

Bookmakers were dancing to Rock On Ruby’s tune after Paul Nicholls’ runner upset Hurricane Fly in the Stan James Champion Hurdle.

With the other two ‘bankers’ of the day Sprinter Sacre and Quevega both obliging, Rock On Ruby saved the layers from heavy losses on the opening day.

One Ladbrokes client collectied £100,000 in winnings for his £110,000 outlay at odds of 10-11 on Henderson’s winner.

That success prompted a flood of cash for Hurricane Fly in the day’s biggest race, but the defending champion could only finish third behind the 11-1 Rock On Ruby.