Almost 20,000 racegoers braved wintry showers only to be beaten by the bookies after two of the day's hottest favourites failing to bring the win home.
Despite winning more than 40% of races at last year's festival it looked like Willie Mullins had lost out even though his horses Vautour and Yorkhill were both hotly tipped.
But the legendary trainer snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when Cilaos Emery - a 10/3 favourite - was first past the post in the final race.
Tom George-trained God's Own clinched the feature Boylesports Champion Chase with odds of 9/1, beating Ruby Walsh on Vautour who was a 4/9 favourite after his Cheltenham success.
Winning jockey Paddy Brennan said: "The first mile I had no control and I just let him go."
Dublin model Holly Carpenter kicked off the Punchestown Races in this stylish get up.
The girlfriend of The Coronas frontman Danny O’Reilly looked picture perfect as she posed in this floor-length grey dress from Ranelagh boutique Bow and Pearl.
Pearing the gown with a white blaser and a floral head band, the Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model star stole the limelight at the races.
Holly Carpenter a Judge in the Bolinger Best dressed Ladies competition at the opening day o the Punchestown FestivalNo Reproduction Fee for use of Images
© Michael Chester
087 8072295
michael@chester.ie
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