Kicking King did what his trainer suggested, 'a progressive Gold Cup winner should do,' by sailing to victory in the featured Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup this afternoon.
Few could argue with Tom Taaffes description when he said the three length success of his charge was one of 'pure class.'
Barry Geraghty, moved closer in 2nd 6 out, his superb jumping took him into the lead 4 out and the 7yo drew clear from the next to win easily from the game but not as fluent-jumping, Rule Supreme.
There was fifteen lengths back to the third, Pizarro, with Kingscliff (made a bad mistake three out), a disappointing distant fourth.
Taaffe commented that he was more nervous coming into this event than any other as he wanted the horse to be out on grass for a deserved break.
That will come now and Gowran in October for the 2 & a 1/2 miler is on the agenda at present. The plan of assault for the rest of the campaign will be made after that seasonal bow.
Geraghty doubled up half an hour later on Jasmin DOudairies for Willie Mullins. This 14/1 chance took it up approaching the last, galloping on much too strongly for the luckless, Kymandjen.
Mullins himself was expected to have another winner, Missed That (5/4 favourite) for the bumper. However he nor any of the rest could cope with the highly impressive Refinement.
In the hands of Alan Berry, Franks son, Frans brother, this Michael Tabor-owned, Jonjo ONeill-trained mare scooted clear from before the straight to beat The Cool Guy by 9L.
ONeill attributed first time blinkers as having had a positive influence as 'shes a bit of a lady.' Though 'she hasnt got much scope,' the 6yo will be launched over flights now.
Willie Mullins did make it two wins on the day, Ruby Walsh in inspired form on heavily-backed favourite, Livingstonebramble (7/2 to 5/2) in the 2m 2f novice chase.
Blazing Liss has been a tremendous servant to John Kiely and her owners, the Flynn family. She signed off her career in the best possible fashion, landing the Listed mares hurdle by 2 1/2L.
Davy Russells mount gave her supporters heart palpations by stumbling on landing at the penultimate hurdle but she overcame that setback to justify 15/8 favouritism.
'She was covered by Flemensfirth a fortnight ago and she will probably be retired now,' said a delighted Kiely.
After 9 previous efforts without success over hurdles and a rating of 86, Strides Of Fire didnt look the most obvious of contenders for the opener but he dispelled that notion with a 7L success.
Robbie Moran rode the English import (paid 108.80 on the tote) for fellow Wexford man, John Codd and after taking over in the straight he stayed on strongly to beat English-raider, Afrad.
Paul and Nina were on the score-sheet yesterday and Philip added to the Carberry familys gains in the hcap hurdle when running out a possibly lucky winner on John Carrs Stutter.
Jessica Harringtons Ill Call You Back and Robbie Power had a race winning advantage when falling at the last, the staying on chestnut coming through to triumph by 5L, adding to a recent flat win.
Racing concluded with Niall Madden driving General Montcalm up close home to beat See More Business half brother, Industrious by a neck in the Champion Hunters Chase.
