Galopin Des Champs secured his inaugural Punchestown Gold Cup triumph on his third attempt on Wednesday.
Delivering a commanding performance, Galopin Des Champs captured his first Punchestown Gold Cup crown.
Ridden by Paul Townend, the dual Cheltenham Gold Cup champion surged to a 22-length victory over nearest rival Spillane’s Tower.
It was a case of third time lucky for Willie Mullins’ 5-6 favourite, who had finished runner-up to Fastorslow in each of the previous two editions.
“He was back to his brilliant best, jumping with real fluency,” Mullins reflected.
“Paul showed great confidence in him. Winning by 22 lengths was remarkable. For me, it really was outstanding.
“He’s a top-class horse—possibly among the best chasers we’ve ever had,” Mullins added.
On a successful day that followed two surprise wins on Tuesday, Mullins celebrated two further Grade One victories.
In the Novice Hurdle, Cheltenham winner and 13-8 favourite Jasmin De Vaux narrowly defeated Aintree scorer Honesty Policy, prevailing by half a length after a dramatic finish.
With Townend again in the saddle, Jasmin De Vaux overcame a last-flight error to claim the lead approaching the finish.
Elsewhere, in the Champion Bumper, 11-8 favourite Bambino Fever pulled clear to see off Switch From Diesel for second place.