In a spectacular finish, Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sizing John followed up in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup today as he flashed past the post just in front of Djakadam.
In as good a finish as you will ever see, Djakadam, Coneygree and Sizing John arrived down at the last fence with every chance.
Djakadam made a slight mistake at the last under Ruby Walsh, allowing the Jessica Harrington-trained and Robbie Power-ridden Sizing John to take advantage.
In the end, Sizing John had just a short head to spare from Djakadam while Coneygree ran a cracker for the Bradstocks back in third.
Champagne Classic, who was described by Michael O’Leary as one of the worst horses he owns after the gelding won at Cheltenham, left his owner looking rather silly at Punchestown after he went on and won the Grade 1 Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle.
The 14-1 shot won well under Bryan Cooper, and importantly, his win netted his trainer Gordon Elliott a valuable €60,000 as he chases a maiden champion trainer’s crown.
Mullins, however, kept the race to be crowned champion alive by filling the placings with Penhill and Tin Soldier. In doing so he picked up €30,000.
After a performance that will stick in the memory from Champion bumper winning-mare Fayonagh and then victory in the concluding bumper on Minutestomidnight, Jamie Codd inched closer to being crowned champion amateur for the season.
Fayonagh was just brilliant as she became only the third horse to complete the Cheltenham and Punchestown Grade 1 double by winning by over five lengths.
Nine-time champion amateur Patrick Mullins left Punchestown five winners behind Codd today, and the title will be decided on Saturday.
There are two Grade 1 races today (Thursday) including the Ladbrokes Champion Stayers Hurdle and the Ryanair Novice Chase over 2 miles not to mention the famous La Touche Cross Country race on day three of the festival.
First race 3.40pm and the last race is at 7.15pm.
