Trainer Nicky Henderson has won a record sixth Champion Hurdle, the feature race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Buveur D'Air, ridden by Noel Fehily, beat his stablemate My Tent Or Yours who ran second in the race for the third time on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT).

The two horses are owned by JP McManus,.

Henderson said 4-1 winner had been steeplechasing this year.

"There wasn't a particular moment when I thought we should go back to hurdles," Henderson said.

"I just felt he had unfinished business over them. I think he could still go back chasing one day.

"It was a very open race, but I just knew he was a very talented horse."

"You feel sorry for My Tent Or Yours. It's wonderful we've won the Champion Hurdle but that's three Champion Hurdles he's been second in. What else can you say about him?"

The meeting continues with the Champion Chase the highlight of the second day.