Osana looks ready to contend at Cheltenham next March

The victory sealed a win double for trainer David Pipe who earlier watched another of his horses, Tamarinbleu, land the Boyslesports.com Gold Cup.

But the race was marred by the death of top hurdler Macs Joy, who was put down after breaking a leg.

Osana finished well clear ahead of Katchit in second with Penzance third.

The race was the first outing for Sublimity since his Champion Hurdle win but with extra weight he faded late on.

Winning jockey Paddy Brennan said the victory convinced him that Osana would be ready for Cheltenham next March.

"They said he was ready and he meant business," he said.

"The Pipes are back - horses that make all and keep kicking. He's good enough for a crack at the Champion Hurdle."

Tamarinbleu's victory was jockey Denis O'Regan's first ride on the horse.

The 22-1 shot lead for most of the race and held off the challenge of Le Volfoni who finished second and Patman Du Charmil in third.