The sigh of relief from trainer Colin Tizzard was felt all around Cheltenham as the weight of pressure was lifted in spectacular fashion after Thistlecrack cemented his position at the head of the staying division with a scintillating win in the Ryanair World Hurdle.

While not having the numbers enjoyed by the likes of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, in Thistlecrack the Dorset handler has not only a horse that can compete with the very best of them, but one that is head and shoulders above his contemporaries.

Since taking apart his rivals on his seasonal return in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, the eight-year-old has continued to impress with two subsequent victories in the Long Walk Hurdle and the Cleeve Hurdle and stamp his authority over a once open-looking division.

Once again the even-money favourite barely looked like he needed to get out of second gear, to give Tizzard his first taste of victory in the race such was the way his disposed of his rivals.

As Cole Harden adopted his trademark front-running role in his quest to follow up last year's victory, Tom Scudamore settled Thistlecrack close to the rear of the field early on before steadily moving him into it to smoothly take second approaching three out.

Travelling with an amount immense of confidence, Scudamore eased Thistlecrack past Cole Harden over two out where he was immediately tracked through by Ireland's flagship hope Alpha Des Obeaux.

Any chances of a battle being played out up the hill were soon distinguished, though, as once the 'go' button was pressed by Scudamore the race was over in a matter of strides, with Thistlecrack storming up the hill to post a seven-length success over the Mouse Morris-trained runner-up.

Former Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth stayed on from another county to claim third with Cole Harden back in fourth.

Thistlecrack was cut to 10-1 for next year's Gold Cup with BoyleSports, Paddy Power and William Hill, while Ladbrokes went 8-1.

Tizzard said: "We didn't expect it to be that easy, it's the World Hurdle, isn't it?

"But he's been like that all season hasn't he and it's lovely to get him here in the same form again.

"He's huge, but he wasn't always like that, Heather and John (Snook, owners) had to be very patient with him, he's just grown into himself in the last 12 months.

"He's gone from being quite a nice horse to a superstar. He's as good as they get.

"Whether he jumps a fence next year, I don't know.

"There's been pressure for the last three weeks, every day was another one ticked off, we've got to do the work with the horses, you can't just trot them.

"I thought as I was older I could handle it (the pressure), but it's good when they win.

"Now this one is done we can look forward to Cue Card (in the Gold Cup) tomorrow.

"I said I wasn't going to have a drink today, but I might have a half.

"It was poetry. I still enjoy watching it a second or third time. As Tom Scudamore said, it was fantastic. There was a lot of pressure the last two weeks and I felt it. Horses like these don't turn up very often. He was not always easy to train, but he has been a pleasure the last 12 months and he has been really easy.

"We've seen what World Hurdle winners have done before and they can carry on doing it for four or five years, but you have only got to look at him and he looks an absolute chaser. That decision will be made when the grass has grown, though.

"He is only just reaching his peak and he could have another four good years.

"I remember coming here as a 17 year-old and I never thought I'd stand here after training a World Hurdle winner."

For winning rider Scudamore, he was clear as to just how good the winner is after describing him as the best horse he has ridden.

Scudamore said: "I've spent my whole life running around in these races, nearly getting there, and finally I've got a horse like this. It's unbelievable, I never realised it could be so easy!

"I always had lots of confidence in my fella, once we jumped the last it was all over. That was fantastic, what a racehorse. I think it's fair to say he's the best I've sat on.

"I wouldn't mind jumping a fence on him, but he's very good over hurdles. Wherever he goes, I'll be following him, that's for sure."

ends