Lee celebrates his World Hurdle win on Inglis Drever

Howard Johnson, the handler of Lee's three winning rides, finished as the top trainer.

Coming into the Festival, Lee was, by his own admission, "a Festival virgin" chasing his first win.

But he won the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle on Arcalis and then had wins on No Refuge and Inglis Drever.

No Refuge was successful in the Royal & SunAlliance Hurdle on Wednesday, while Inglis Drever's win over Baracouda in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle on Thursday was one of the highlights of the week.

His third win prompted last year's Grand National-winning jockey to describe himself as "a complete slapper".

It helped earn Lee 88 pints of Guinness and a holiday to Spain as well as the trophy.

Robert Thornton's final-day double on Penzance and Moulin Riche put him well into contention on three winners but Lee's better record in the minor placings gave him the title.

"I can't believe it. I am over the moon. At a meeting like this it is great to get one winner, never mind three," said Lee.

"It is fantastic - but don't forget Howard, Mr Wylie, all the staff and the horses."

Johnson managed to edge out Nicky Henderson for the trainer's award with the pair getting three wins apiece but Johnson won more prize money.