Big-spending Graham Wylie received the first Cheltenham Festival dividend from his multi-million-pound bloodstock investment as 20-1 chance Arcalis stormed up the hill to land the Letheby & Christopher Supreme Novices Hurdle.

Howard Johnson's charge, who had travelled well in mid-division through the early stages, was produced to challenge approaching the last by Graham Lee and streaked clear to win by six lengths from Wild Passion, who held off Dusky Warbler by half a length.

Justified and Chilling Place took the field along and they were still there with three to jump.

Publican was tanking along just in behind but looked to get a little squeezed for room on the home turn and failed to pick up as quickly as some of his speedier rivals.

The admirable Wild Passion then jumped the final obstacle just in front, but on the run-in he had no answer to the kick of the winner, who showed the sort of pace which enabled him to win last year's John Smith's Cup on the Flat at York.

Software and property tycoon Wylie is often compared to Chelsea supremo Roman Abramovich in the way he has arrived in the sport within the past couple of years with a willingness to spend large amounts of money in order to achieve success.

But the ever-approachable Wylie is a man who remains both modest and universally popular, and Arcalis was warmly welcomed into the winner's enclosure.

''I'm more pleased for Howard than myself,'' he said in typical style. ''We bought Arcalis as a hurdler and he'll probably be a two-mile hurdler next season.

''I have made a big investment, but this is a great thrill and it was just stunning to watch the horse fly over the final flight.

''Graham gave him a fantastic ride and I can relax now and look forward to the rest of the week.''

Johnson said the gelding was unlikely to run again over hurdles this season, but added that a possible tilt at another valuable York prize - the Tote Ebor - could be on the cards.

''He is a good horse and I never lost faith in him,'' said the trainer, celebrating his first Festival success since Ushers Island took the National Hunt Chase in 1993.

''The ground wasn't right last time and he wasn't right either. There were certain horses in the yard that weren't right, and he was amongst them.

''It's perfect ground out there and he did it well. I was in two minds about running him or Astronomic in this race but it looks I chose the right one. Astronomic will run at Aintree now."

Jockey Lee was also claiming a first Cheltenham Festival success.

''I had a dream passage. Coming into the meeting I was a Festival virgin - and I'm glad I lost my virginity,'' he beamed.

Connections of Contraband had to endure a nerve-racking 15 minutes before the gelding was confirmed the winner of the Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Cheltenham Festival today.

The Martin Pipe-trained seven-year-old appeared to cross the second, Ashley Brook, on the run-in and after they flashed past the post an inquiry was quickly announced.

But after deliberating the matter, the stewards allowed the result to stand.

* Howard Johnson will wait until the last minute before committing Grey Abbey to the totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday.

The popular 11-year-old has been doubtful for the blue riband in recent weeks due to a swollen joint, but it is now fast ground that could rule the Pillar Property Chase winner out of the big race.