Cheltenham Festival winner Peace And Co outclassed his rivals on his debut over fences at Hexham.
Nicky Henderson's charge rounded off an unbeaten juvenile campaign with victory in the 2015 Triumph Hurdle, but has largely struggled since after suffering a variety of problems.
He was sidelined for over a year before running in the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April and was last seen finishing down the field in last month's Swinton Hurdle at Haydock.
Taking on just four rivals in the Bet toteplacepot Novices' Chase, Peace And Co was the 1/5 favourite in the hands of Daryl Jacob.
The six-year-old jumped well in the main and was pushed out on the run-in to score by eight lengths from Mount Beckham.
Anthony Bromley, racing manager for owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede, said: "It wasn't the greatest contest in the world, but it was nice to see him finish his race off.
"I'm delighted for Nicky and the owners as he has been a bit of an enigma, he probably still is.
"It's the first race he's won since the Triumph and it was nice to see him settling a bit rather than careering off in front like he has before.
"He guessed at a couple of fences, but that's novice chasing. You start small and try to build up.
"There are no big plans, but I'd imagine we'll press on with him now through the summer and see where it takes us."
