FROM THE ARCHIVE:Every long-standing race will have its legends, and, before next week's Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, we look back at one of the greatest – three-time champion Istabraq

ULTIMATELY HE made it look easy, but much of the seed of Istabraq’s record-breaking, 12-length saunter in yesterday’s Champion Hurdle can be traced back to this day last year.

Then, Istabraq won the SunAlliance, despite having sweated enough to make the Sahara green. That heralded the dawn of an exceptional talent.

Yesterday he bloomed, but yet more evidence of the sheer professionalism and attention to detail of Aidan O’Brien flowered alongside. Every action was designed to keeping Istabraq cool. He trailed stable companion Theatreworld into the parade ring just seconds before the bell for jockeys to mount was sounded.

But when every other jockey was in the saddle, Charlie Swan wasn’t. Instead, Istabraq traipsed around the vast arena as if out for a pick of grass in Ballydoyle.

Swan circled with him, O’Brien at his shoulder nailing down the last few details. Only at the last moment did Swan jump on board.

In hindsight, such was Istabraq’s innate superiority to the opposition, this more than anything else was the decisive moment of the Champion Hurdle. Istabraq barely did a lap of the ring, but with Swan on him the transformation was obvious.

A few anxious jig-jogs and the first ominous signs of sweat on his neck. Vitally, however, it was nothing compared to last year. Compared to that, Istabraq was as laid back as an old sheepdog.

From then on, it was a case of getting on.

“Aidan had told me in the strongest possible language that Istabraq would win,” a thrilled JP McManus said.

O’Brien had been even more blunt with Swan. “Four days ago Aidan told me Istabraq would destroy them. I knew then he had to be exceptional for Aidan to say that,” said the jockey.

The master of Ballydoyle proved yet again that overstatement is not his forte. Istabraq really was that good.

The Irish outsider Lady Daisy did her best to set a fast pace, but coming to the top of the hill even that wasn’t quick enough for I’m Supposin and Istabraq.

Coming down the hill, only Shadow Leader made a token effort to join the front two. Token was all it was.

After the third-last, even I’m Supposin began to struggle, but Istabraq and Swan kicked on with wonderful ease. Coming to the last, it really was all theirs – bar a fall.

Already he is as low as 3 to 1 for next year’s Champion Hurdle, and those who think that’s ridiculous would do well to heed O’Brien, who said: “He was fit to run a big race today and do himself justice, but he should improve for the run.”

Swan declared Istabraq to be an “exceptional champion trained by an exceptional man”.

“I couldn’t believe the pace he showed coming down the hill, and then he quickened again. To ride the winner of one of these championship races is an unbelievable feeling.”

O’Brien and Swan were quick to pay tribute to the man who spotted Istabraq’s emerging talent two years ago, John Durkan. His family were present to see the coronation of a great horse.