Walsh celebrates victory on Desert Quest.

Ruby Walsh clinched the Racing Post Festival Jockeys' Championship in the final race of the meeting when 4-1 joint-favourite Desert Quest won the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle for Paul Nicholls.

Walsh, who had gone close in the Gold Cup on Hedgehunter, rounded off the meeting in the best possible style with a smooth victory on the ex-Flat horse, who has improved out of all recognition this term.

As usual the race was run at a frantic pace with the field taken along by Bob's Justice but all the while Walsh was stalking the pack like a bird of prey knowing all along that he only had to press the button.

The other joint-favourite, the Jessica Harrington-trained Studmaster, was up with the pace throughout but faded to finish down the field.

Desert Quest was chased home by Noble Request, the veteran Adamant Approach and Pirate Flagship, also from the Nicholls' yard.

"The horses ran well early in the week but we have been unlucky with a few and I really thought this horse would take all of the beating," the trainer said.

"He has improved leaps and bounds physically from the start of the spring and it was a great ride from Ruby.

"He has got some confidence now and looks good. I think he will progress.

"I am not saying he will be a Champion Hurdle horse but I wouldn't be surprised if he is and I think he will stay hurdling next year."