If The Cap Fits (4/5 favourite) stayed on strongly to win the Coral Ascot Hurdle having looked in trouble turning in.
Rayvin Black had slipped the field under an enterprising ride from Thomas Garner but Old Guard and We Have A Dream both looked bigger dangers at the second last.
However, as the leader tired, Noel Fehily conjured a sustained challenge from If The Cap Fits, who finished strongly to hit the front half a furlong out and win by a length-and-a-half.
Old Guard (7/2) ran a cracker in second with We Have A Dream third having lost momentum when landing flat-footed two out.
Winning trainer Harry Fry said: "We've seen a different side to him today. Noel (Fehily) said there was parts of the race he wasn't travelling. He usually tanks through his races really well and today he has just raced a bit behind the bridle.
"He only ran two weeks ago and from turning in he has had to dig deep and he has toughed it out. That is a new side to him. It is a good prize and I'm delighted to land it.
"He had no problems with the trip today. Jason (Maguire, racing manager to owners Paul and Clare Rooney) was talking about the Aintree Hurdle before today, but it is great to win a prize like that for Paul and Clare Rooney.
"It was disappointing for us all in the spring as we had such high hopes for him, but they were very patient and we did the best for him and that allowed us to get him back to his best.
"He spent the summer at Jason's and he and his team got him back fit and sound and we are reaping the rewards now. He is an exciting second season hurdler to go to war with.
"Noel is mad keen on the Christmas Hurdle in a month's time, so I think all being well, that is the next logical step then we will see where he takes us."
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