NIGEL Twiston-Davies came out fighting after The New One produced an impressive display to win the Stan- James.com International Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The Gloucestershire handler feels his stable star has never been given the credit his record of 13 wins from 18 starts deserves and that he comes in for some unfair criticism in certain quarters.

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After the six-year-old dished out a four-and-a-half-length beating to Supreme Novices’ Hurdle third, Vaniteux, who was in receipt of 8lb, Twiston-Davies laid down the gauntlet to Willie Mullins and Jessica Harrington, the trainers of Faugheen and Jezki.

Those two Irish hurdlers are likely to be The New One’s sternest competition in the Champion Hurdle in March, but Twiston-Davies cannot wait for day to come.

The New One was third in last season’s Festival feature behind Jezki and My Tent Or Yours, but he was badly hampered by the early fatal fall of Our Conor.

“Just because he’s British, it doesn’t mean he’s not very good,” said Twiston-Davies.

“He was unlucky in the Champion Hurdle last year and apart from meeting the last wrong at Kempton (in the Christmas Hurdle), he would probably have won there, too.

“I don’t think he would have had to have improved too much to win how he did today, but it all went very well.”

Sent off the 4-7 favourite, The New One was settled in second by the trainer’s son, Sam, as Zamdy Man opened up a sizeable early lead before being reeled back in at around the halfway point.

The New One was noted travelling well but his main market rival Vaniteux was matching his every stride, with the pair settling down to battle it out at the top of the hill.

Olofi tried to go with them but as the front pair upped it a notch, he was left behind, with Vaniteux trying his best to edge out the market leader but he could not live with the favourite after the last.

Options for The New One are now thin on the ground, but there is a slim possibility he could clash with Faugheen in the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day.

“There’s no decision where he’ll go next, we’ll see how he comes out of this,” said the trainer.

“I wouldn’t be scared of taking on Faugheen but it comes quick enough after this.

“The only other option is Wincanton as the Haydock Champion Hurdle Trial is usually run in bad ground and it’s close enough to March.

The winner’s stablemate Mad Moose also lined up for the Grade Two event on what was his first outing in over a year after being banned for refusing to race on numerous occasions.

Unfortunately the veteran once again dug his heels in at the start and took no part.

Twiston-Davies admits Mad Moose’s career is almost certainly over, but hopes he can enjoy life outside of racing in the future.

He said: “I’m afraid I’m sure the BHA won’t let him run again.

“It will be a red card. He’s been brilliant, but he’s intelligent. He’s very kind and gentle and a lovely horse.”