The Cunning Fox showed immense determination to give jockey Tommy Ryan his fourth Australian Hurdle victory at Sandown on Sunday.

Despite appearing under pressure 1200m from home in the 3900m test, the six-year-old remained unbeaten over hurdles, digging deep to win by 1¾ lengths.

The $3.50 chance carried topweight of 71kg to defeat Highland Blaze ($3.50), while the $2.60 favourite Affluential was another three-quarters of a length away in third.

“We didn’t go overly quick… I was left totally flat-footed,” Ryan said.

“He put his ears back and was fighting. He’s a tough, tough horse.”

Ryan added he was always confident the gelding would run out the trip.

“He has that will-to-win… he has it in bucketloads.”

Syndicator Joe O’Neill praised The Cunning Fox’s heart and staying pedigree, noting his relation to Singspiel.

The gelding also won the Galleywood Hurdle (3200m) at Warrnambool in April, cementing his place among Australia’s top jumpers.