Binocular put doubts over his well being to one side as he clinched the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle in tremendous style.
Third in last year's renewal the JP McManus-owned gelding has looked well below his best all season and was even ruled out of the race after connections feared he had developed a muscular problem.
However, when subsequent tests failed to detect anything he was brought back to Nicky Henderson's yard with reports suggesting he had returned to the top of his form and he proved it as he romped to victory in the two-mile championship.
Celestial Halo went off at lightning speed under Ruby Walsh and at one point was some ten lengths clear of Zaynar, but the field did not press the panic button and reeled in the long-time leader approaching the fourth last.
Zaynar moved upsides Celestial Halo with Medermit and Binocular in close order but as the third last loomed into view any one of six horses looked to be in a shout, including reigning champion Punjabi and Go Native, bidding for a £1million bonus, but it was Binocular that was travelling best of all.
Rounding the turn Tony McCoy sent his six-year-old into a lead and he stole a march on his rivals, opening up a commanding lead which they struggled to close.
There may have been doubts over his ability to handle the Cheltenham hill but those who had money on the Enrique gelding had no reason to worry as he powered away to a three and a half length win.
Khyber Kim was brought with a late run under Paddy Brennan to clinch second, six lengths clear of Zaynar.
"When I schooled him last week it was the first time he has hurdled like we know Binocular can - like a champion hurdler," a jubliant McCoy said.
"He didn't have a good build-up this year. He has not been hurdling all year, he's just done something funny every time.
"I'm so happy for JP (McManus, owner). This is better than any feeling I have had from the horse. It's hard to win here and this is everything."
Henderson, who had confidently predicted Binocular would win a Champion Hurdle one day, added: "It hasn't been an easy passage this year. When he was beaten last year, we said he'd come back and AP said he would win it.
"We were actually nine-tenths taking him out and we said he wouldn't run.
"We did a lot of work. We've got a fantastic team and we ironed out a few things.
"His jumping was the difference and Zaynar ran a great race. Binocular deserved to win it one day."