Wish Ye Didnt extended Enda Bolger's tremendous record in the Kildare Hunt Club Fr Sean Breen Memorial Chase with a sure-footed display under Nina Carberry.

The three-mile contest over the banks is the traditional curtain-raiser for the Punchestown Festival and having won four of the last five renewals, Bolger was this time responsible for the JP McManus-owned 8-13 favourite.

Those who took the cramped odds about the mare had few worries, with Carberry always appearing confident in the plate and she let her mount stride on to the lead a long way from home.

Wish Ye Didnt quickened up between the second-last and final fence and safely negotiated the obstacle to seal the Ladies Perpetual Cup by 10 lengths. Enniskillen and Oscar Day were second and third respectively.

"I have the easy job getting these horses to train," said Bolger.
"She's a lovely little filly and flew around there. Hopefully she'll come back on Saturday.

"The jockey on top makes things a lot easier. She cut all the corners and took the shortest way home.

"We'll probably claim off this filly on Saturday and it's great to get the week going.

"Nina said she loved the top of the ground and we could keep her going during the summer."

McManus enjoyed his second winner of the afternoon as Some Article emerged victorious after a thrilling climax to the Killashee Handicap Hurdle.

The Tom Mullins-trained seven-year-old was a 10-1 shot to follow up his recent triumph at Fairyhouse's Easter Festival and was delivered with a well-timed challenge by Niall Madden.

Macnicholson emerged as the main threat after the final flight, but Some Article dug deep to win the day by three-quarters of a length.

The strong-travelling The Game Changer had to make do with third spot, with Jebril fourth.

Mullins said: "The Galway Hurdle would have to be in the back of our minds as he's a good-ground horse."

Petit Mouchoir looks most impressive for trainer Gordon Elliott in the valuable Goffs Land Rover Bumper.

Winner of a point-to-point in February, the Gigginstown House Stud-owned four-year-old was a 4-1 joint-favourite for his first start under Rules and was positioned close to the speed throughout by Jamie Codd, quickening clear for an emphatic six-and-a-half-length victory.

The French-bred gelding is set to join champion trainer Willie Mullins next season as part of an ongoing arrangement Elliott has with the owners.

Elliott said: "He's a nice horse. He wouldn't be the quickest in the world but he stays very well.

"He's a very nice horse and Willie Mullins will have the pleasure of training him next year. I won't have him, unfortunately.

"My job was to win a point-to-point with him. I get enough nice horses so I'll keep the peace and say nothing!

"He's a very slick jumper and will make a nice hurdler next year.
"No doubt he'll win plenty of races."

Live coverage of The Punchestown Festival on RTÉ One from 4pm to 6pm, continuing on RTÉ2 from 6pm to 7pm, Tuesday to Friday and on RTÉ2 from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday.