WEDNESDAY’s action at Punchestown was, of course, dominated by the surprise announcement of Ruby Walsh’s retirement after his win on Kemboy in the Coral Punchestown Gold Cup, a fittingly high-class performance from man as well as beast.

In pulling 22 lengths clear of the remainder, Kemboy and Al Boum Photo turned in the two best time efforts by staying chasers in the last year, worth figures of 175 and 173 respectively, with the former showing considerable grit and stamina in the process.