HE has been around a long time but Nicky Henderson’s My Tent Or Yours is still a force at the age of 10. He demonstrated as much by proving too good for old rival The New One and Willie Mullins’ Melon in the Grade 2 Unibet International Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Second last year, My Tent Or Yours (5/1) was always close up as The New One, seeking a remarkable fourth victory in the race, made the running. The winner hit the front at the last and found plenty for Barry Geraghty, keeping on strongly to pull just over a length clear at the line, with Melon a similar distance away in third.

It was a fascinating contest, though purists will point out that Ch’tibello and Old Guard were not beaten very far in a race run nearly 14 seconds outside standard. The ground may well be a good deal quicker in March.

Remarkably, this was My Tent Or Yours’ first win for four years, though he has finished runner-up in three Champion Hurdles. Henderson clearly adores him and was close to tears as the horse returned to the unsaddling enclosure.

“It’s not quite the same as when Sprinter Sacre made his comeback, but it’s not far off it,” the trainer smiled. “He’s never been shy of a battle but he’s just been beaten by better horses in three Champion Hurdles and in other races as well. This was one of the great horse races and he was up for it with three in a line at the last, though we had the 6lb advantage, having not won for donkeys’ years.”

Winning owner J.P. McManus holds a very strong hand in the big one once again, the very impressive Buveur D’Air having accounted for My Tent Or Yours last time.

Of course, the race needs Faugheen, still favourite in all ante-post lists, although stable-companion Melon, second in the Supreme Novices’ and 7/4 favourite last week, would not let anyone down and faster ground would help him.

Nigel Twiston-Davies has been in outstanding form but defeat for The New One left him in confrontational mood, principally over the Grade 2 status of the International.

“He’s run probably the best race of his life but he was giving My Tent Or Yours 6lb in a race worth £130,000. Why are there penalties in a contest like that? It’s a travesty of justice,” he said. “Anyway, it’s Haydock next and then probably back here for the Stayers’ Hurdle.”