GOD’S OWN REPEATED his Punchestown heroics from two years ago as he held off the challenge of Vautour to win the Champion Chase on the opening day of the 2016 festival.
The Tom George trained eight-year-old upset the odds to land the two-mile Grade One for a second time.
With Paddy Brennan on board, God’s Own claimed victory by two lengths after pulling away from Special Tiara, Simonsig and the 4/9 favourite, Vautour, down the home straight.
Vautour finished second while Simonsig was third.
Meanwhile, there was another upset in the Champion Novice Hurdle with the hotly-tipped Yorkhill flattering to deceive as Don’t Touch It, ridden by Barry Geraghty, strode home.
In the final Grade One of the day, Zabana triumphed in the Champion Novice Chase.
Andrew Lynch’s horse led from the outset with Davy Russell on board while Outlander finished second and Sandra Hughes’ Sub Lieutenant in third.
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