Willie Mullins enjoyed a Punchestown four-timer, and Ruby Walsh a treble, highlighted by Djakadam landing back-to-back runnings of the John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase.
Second twice in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, that proven stamina came into play as he saw off the determined challenge of Outlander after the last.
Walsh never allowed leader Sub Lieutenant too much rope on the 5-6 favourite and once he got himself in front at the second-last, stayed on stronger than the challenging Outlander to prevail by a length and a quarter.< Turcagua made every post a winning one in the Buy Your 2017 Annual Membership Maiden Hurdle.
Walsh got the fractions spot-on on the even-money market leader because when he let out an inch of rein at the top of the straight, there was plenty of petrol in the tank and Turcagua came nine and a half lengths away from Champagne Classic
The three-timer was completed by American Tom in the Alan Lillingston Memorial Beginners Chase.
The even-money favourite jumped to his left on occasion but seemed to enjoy himself in front and rallied well when pressed by Gangster at the last to register a length-and-a-half verdict.
Mullins capped his great day in the Old House, Kill (Pro/Am) Flat Race with the Patrick Mullins-ridden Come To Me and was also on the mark at Cork through superstar Douvan and Listen Dear < Sunni May made it two from two over timber in the Ladies Free Admission On New Years Eve Rated Novice Hurdle.
Jessie Harrington's 2-1 favourite was left in front a long way from home when Lion In His Heart ran out and despite jumping the last a bit deliberately, had established enough of an advantage for Robbie Power to drive him out for a five-and-a-half-length defeat of Kalopsia < Dawerann (11-2) landed the Follow Us On Facebook And Twitter Handicap Hurdle just three days on from finishing fourth at Clonmel, while Kansas City Chief (14-1) took the 3 For 2 Festival Tickets At punchestown.com Handicap Chase.
