Twist Magic finally came good on his potential at the 2008 Kerrygold Champion Chase at the Punchestown Festival yesterday. Paul Nicholl’s horse showed the form that saw him win the Tingle Creek Chase to claim a two length victory over stable-mate Natal.

Schindler’s Hunt came in third, completing a strong showing by the pre-race favourites. Twist Magic’s win also notched up another victory for Ruby Walsh, who now has a six win advantage over closest rival Davy Russell in the Irish jockey championship.

Attention now shifts to the biggest race of the Punchestown Festival, the 2008 Guinness Gold Cup. The race is set to feature some of the classiest runners from the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National, with Neptune Collonges likely to start the race as favourite.

The field for the 2008 Guinness Gold Cup also includes Snowy Morning, Mossbank and Tom Taaffe’s Kicking King.

The race is also likely to see the curtain fall on the career of ten time Grade One race winner Beef or Salmon. Commenting on his entry for the 2008 Guinness Gold Cup, trainer Michael Hourigan told the Racing Post: “The main thing is that he can come back safe and sound and enjoy retirement. He has been a fantastic horse for me, his owners and everyone in the yard - and has given us so many great days.”