Altior gave Nicky Henderson his first win in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle since Flown in 1992 when proving too good for Willie Mullins' Min in the curtain-raiser at the Cheltenham Festival.

Min was expected to give Mullins his fourth successive win in this race but Altior (4-1) shattered those dreams and also hopes of a short-priced four-timer for Ireland's champion trainer with a breathtaking performance.

Charbel made the running with Min on his heels until the race began in earnest three out, where Nico de Boinville ranged up on Altior on the outside.

[raw]

4-1 ALTIOR storms to victory in the Novices' Hurdle! #CheltenhamFestival #Cheltenham https://t.co/W6MR2K5Jr7

— Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) March 15, 2016

The race soon developed into a duel between the top two, but Altior asserted at the final flight and galloped on strongly up the hill to defeat the 15-8 favourite by seven lengths.

Henderson also took third place with Buveur D'Air (10-1), who made up a lot of ground and was just a length and a half away.

Cheltenham Day One: Our tipster gives his selections