The Walsh family got the Punchestown Festival off to a tremendous start with the Ted Walsh-trained Wedger Pardy scoring over the banks course ridden by his daughter Katie.

The eight-year-old gelding was up with the pace throughout in the 3m 1f Fr. Sean Breen Memorial Ladies Cup, and stayed on strongly to beat Another Jewel by six lengths.

'These races are a bit of a law unto themselves but this horse likes the banks, and that's Katie's first win at the Festival,' said a delighted Walsh senior.

'He'll probably come back here again over the banks on Saturday.'