Barry Geraghty kisses the Punchestown Gold Cup after winning on board Carlingford Lough. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

CARLINGFORD LOUGH SAVED his best for last to land a big shock in the Punchestown Gold Cup, the Grade 1 feature on day two of this year’s festival.

The 12/1 shot pulled clear after the last fence to beat Djakadam and Don Poli, with fancied British raider Cue Card (4/6f) back in fourth.

“I’ve been coming to Punchestown since 1948,” trainer John Kiely told RTÉ after scooping the €118,000 top prize.

This is a never-again experience in my life — but once is lovely!

It was an unforgettable day too for Katie Walsh who rode the first Grade 1 winner of her career, steering 14/1 shot Blow By Blow to another shock in the Champion INH Flat Race.

That was one of three winners on the day for Willie Mullins with Bellshill taking the Grade 1 Novice Hurdle while Augusta Kate landed the final race of the day, the Mares Flat Race.

Punchestown – Wednesday’s Results

• 15.40 - 1. Shamiran (16/1) 2. Go Darsi Go (7/1f) 3. Shannak (12/1)
• 16.20 - 1. Woodland Opera (9/2 j2f) 2. Val de Ferbet (10/1) 3. Baden (8/1)
• 16.55 - 1. Bellshill (2/1f) 2. Coney Island (4/1 j2f) 3. Sandymount Duke (14/1)
• 17.30 - 1. Carlingford Lough (12/1) 2. Djakadam (9/2 2f) 3. Don Poli (6/1)
• 18.05 - 1. Blow By Blow (14/1) 2. Moon Racer (2/1f) 3. Bacardys (4/1 2f)
• 18.40 - 1. Irish Cavalier (7/1) 2. Colms Dream (6/1 2f) 3. Pairofbrowneyes (7/1)
• 19.15 - 1. Augusta Kate (10/3) 2. Forge Meadow (11/4 jf) 3. Glens Harmony (7/1)

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