Racing: Twist Magic returned to winning form after a woeful showing at Cheltenham to lead home a Paul Nicholls one-two in the Kerrygold Champion Chase at Punchestown.
Having fallen when tanking along in the previous year's Arkle, the six-year-old had been well fancied for his repeat visit to the Cotswolds last month only to trail home sixth in the Champion Chase.
That, together with a below-par effort the time before, meant questions had started to be asked of Twist Magic but he answered every call in the feature event on day one of the Festival.
The 6-4 favourite made a mistake at the second fence under Ruby Walsh, but was soon back on a even keel. Walsh had to get serious with his mount from the penultimate obstacle as Tony McCoy and Natal closed in, but the partnership held on by a length and three-quarters.
Mansony came from the clouds to take third, just ahead of Schindlers Hunt in fourth.
"I was a bit concerned beforehand as I didn't think he looked as good as he can in the paddock," said Nicholls. "He looked much better last spring at Cheltenham and Aintree. I thought Natal looked better and he has run a career-best.
"Fast ground suits Twist Magic well and as long as he is OK he will run again at Sandown on Saturday. I am sure we can improve the way he looks next season, but I might be being hyper-critical of myself.
"He has run great and the ground makes a big difference. Ruby is top-class and AP (McCoy) gave Natal a storming ride too. He is only a handicapper and two miles around here is quick enough for him."
Differing ground conditions, a tongue-tie and a first-time noseband all contributed to the improved effort of the winner, according to the British champion trainer.
Walsh said: "He was so disappointing in the Champion Chase so it is a great performance to come back. He made a mistake at the second fence in front of the stands, but apart from that he travelled and jumped really well. A flat track suits him."
Nicholls added of the runner-up: "I am just as chuffed with the second horse as he looked great and ran a fantastic race.
"It might be the end of his handicapping days, but he was getting there anyway. He is the sort you could run in the big two-mile races and pick up prize money. He could start off in the Haldon Gold Cup."