Recent discovery Soladitno thrills

A race won 12 months ago by Henderson's Zaynar, who finished third to Binocular this week, the four-year-old overhauled the gutsy front-runner Barizan to land the spoils.

The 6-1 winner, a recent discovery in France, only arrived at Henderson's stable six weeks ago.

Soladitno's success earned a 33-1 quote with Sky Bet for next year's Champion Hurdle, in which Henderson already has an embarrassment of riches.

"I'm thrilled for the horse. He's only a baby – they all are – but he's very inexperienced," said the trainer who was recording his fifth victory in the race.

"He's an exciting horse but I don't think you will see him again this season."

On a day of shocks, this success enabled Henderson to be crowned the Festival's top trainer.

"Binocular has to be the highlight. We always thought he was a special horse, and at last he showed we weren't bluffing," he added.

Ruby Walsh stole the riding honours for the fourth time despite Kauto Star's Gold Cup demise with three wins to his name.

The week's only local victor was Ferdy Murphy's Poker de Sivola, though the West Witton trainer tipped three winners in his daily Yorkshire Post column.

Friday's Festival winners

n 1.30 Soldatino (6-1). Overhauled the long-time leader Barizan on the run-in.

n 2.05 Thousand Stars (20-1). Katie Walsh beats the pros, including her brother Ruby.

n 2.40 Berties Dream (33-1). Another winner for Andrew Lynch who won the Arkle on Sizing Europe.

n 3.20 Imperial Commander (7-1). A sixth triumph on his 'home' course for surprise Gold Cup winner.

n 4.00 Baby Run (9-2 jtfav) Inspired ride by Sam Twiston-Davies, minutes after his dad trained the Gold Cup winner.

n 4.40 Pause and Clause (14-1). First Festival win for conditional Johnny Farrelly.

n 5.15 Pigeon Island (16-1).

Paddy Brennan and Nigel Twiston-Davies win again.