Made In Japan (20-1) landed the JCB Triumph Hurdle in gritty fashion on the final day of the Cheltenham Festival.

The Philip Hobbs-trained gelding jumped the last slightly in front and stuck to his guns up the hill despite wandering slightly under pressure.

He hung on under Richard Johnson to beat Chief Yeoman, with Top Strategy third and Cherub fourth.

Tusk, Mondul and Hasanpour were all prominent in the early stages and the latter was still going well when he made a real mess of the third-last and lost all chance.

Chief Yeoman (40-1) and Howle Hill went on rounding the final bend, but Made In Japan came there strongly at the last flight.

Howle Hill was still in with a shout on the run-in, as were Top Strategy and Cherub, but in a real battle up the hill it was Made In Japan's day.

"The race really suited him and the rain overnight helped as well," Johnson said.

"I got a lovely run round and you just need a bit of luck, which I got. It has helped me win the race today.

"It is tiring out there, but my horse has stayed very well from off a decent pace. Anything that wins today will need to be able to stay."

Hobbs said: "I would imagine we would want to take advantage of the weight allowance next year and go straight to novice chasing with him.

"He is a very tough horse and he might run at Aintree and Punchestown.

"I have just got a doubt about whether the track at Aintree would suit him, but he travels well and is improving all the time."

Venetia Williams said of the runner-up: "Tony (Dobbin) said he's very tough and tries his heart out. We came here hoping.

"He will probably go to Aintree now. It's no use worrying about his handicap mark now - I am chuffed to bits."

Top Strategy's rider Ruby Walsh said: "He loved it out there.

"The cut in the ground was a real help and he's run a cracker. I thought he might win turning in."

Cherub's trainer Jonjo O'Neill said: "I am very pleased with him, but he wasn't quite good enough on the day.

"He'll go to either Aintree or Punchestown, I'm not sure which."