CHAMPION trainer Paul Nicholls will aim Zarkandar at next year's Stan James Champion Hurdle after he lifted the JCB Triumph Hurdle under Daryl Jacob.

He was impressed with how strongly the well-bred grey (13-2) powered up the hill to beat Unaccompanied by two and a quarter lengths after pouncing on the leaders at the final hurdle.

Stablemate Sam Winner was well-backed before the race, but he was out-paced early and stayed on to finish fourth under Ruby Walsh.

Zarkandar earned a quote of 16-1 for next year's Champion Hurdle and Nicholls, who has never won the race, is excited about his chances.

"I thought he was the best of our runners before the race today, but his lack of experience was a worry," he said.

"We've always done lots of work with him and he's very good. When we bought him he was very colty and badly behaved – he looked a horse who'd kill you – but we've given him time and now he's your best mate. He's a different horse now and he loves it.

"Sam Winner missed the break and was flying at the finish, but this horse (Zarkandar) is a bit special. We'd have to come back for the Champion Hurdle after that."

Jacob, riding his first Festival winner, was delighted to retain the ride on Zarkandar after he won on the gelding at Kempton on his only other race over hurdles.

He said the four-year-old, a half-brother to the brilliant Zarkava, looked to have a promising future for the Nicholls' team at Ditcheat, near Shepton Mallet.

"I'd like to say thanks very much to Paul and the owners (Potensis Limited and Chris Giles) for keeping me on the horse," he said.

"When he won at Kempton he was very, very good I was very impressed with him.

"The better ground suited him today and the race went brilliantly for me. He's got gears and he took me into the race nicely.

"It's nice to get a winner on the board at the Festival. That's what every jockey dreams of and I'm delighted about it, absolutely over the moon."