Neptune Collonges notched a second successive victory in the Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup in impressive style under Ruby Walsh.
The 9-10 favourite, last seen finishing third behind stablemates Denman and Kauto Star at Cheltenham, was sent to the head of affairs from an early stage by Ruby Walsh and began to turn the screw as the field moved down the back straight.
He was well clear turning for home and despite the best efforts of Grand National third Snowy Morning, the Paul Nicholls-trained seven-year-old was seven lengths clear at the line.
Nicholls said: "It was a brilliant performance. He was entitled to win on his Gold Cup form and I think he's a better horse than last year. He'll be up there mixing it with them all again next year."
Cheltenham bumper hero Cousin Vinny made history as he became the first horse to follow up in the Punchestown equivalent.
The five-year-old got a dream run up the rail turning for home under winning trainer Willie Mullins' son Patrick and went on to win by 10 lengths at rewarding odds of 9-2.
Solwhit (5-1) gave Davy Russell a welcome winner as he fights to claw back Walsh's lead at the head of the jockeys' table.
The Charles Byrnes-trained four-year-old swept past Silverhand in the straight and scooted clear for a four-length success in the Evening Herald Hurdle.
Got Attitude (16-1) benefited from a power-packed ride from Barry Geraghty to grind out a victory in the Oberstown Developments Novice Hurdle, holding off the challenge of the staying on Home Hunter by a neck.
Notable D'Estruval came fast and late to secure a thrilling verdict in the Ulster Bank Handicap Chase.
British raider Bishop's Bridge looked all over the winner jumping the last, but Arthur Moore's 7-1 chance finished with a real rattle to score by a length and a half.
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