Ruby Walsh rides Twisted Magic to victory at Punchestown

Favourite Twist Magic landed the Kerrygold Champion Chase on the first day of the Punchestown Festival.

The Tingle Creek winner, under Ruby Walsh, saw off stablemate Natal to make it a one-two for Paul Nicholls.

The 2007 winner Mansony finished strongest to take third place with Schindlers Hunt fourth.

"It is great to win but he has been better. He is on his way back to how he was in the Tingle Creek," said winning jockey Walsh.

A fast and furious pace was set by Newmill and Fair Along in the early stages until Gemini Lucy took over four out.

However, Twist Magic showed his class to go on two out despite making several mistakes at fences.

Natal made a gallant attempt to close the gap in the straight and Walsh, who now leads Davy Russell by six in the race for the Irish jump jockeys' title, had to ride Twist Magic all the way to the line to ensure success.

Kerrygold Champion Chase

1. Twist Magic (R Walsh) 6-4 Fav
2. Natal (A P McCoy) 12/1
3. Mansony (D Russell) 11/2