Paul Townend feels Chacun Pour Soi was back to his best in winning the William Hill Champion Chase - the feature on the opening day of the Punchestown Festival.

The nine-year-old was disappointing in finish third in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month but he bounced back to beat stablemate Allaho by five lengths this evening.

“That was the proper Chacun Pour Soi," Irish champion jockey leader Townend said after the race. "I was so disappointed for the horse and everyone in Cheltenham when he got beaten because I just think the world of him. It’s some thrill to ride a horse like this.

“Jumping won the race for him. As fast as we were going, at the back of every fence I was able to get a breather, I jumped so well. There was no let up and he’s shown the real horse today."

Trainer Willie Mullins had praise for both the Rich Ricci-owned horse and Townend.

“They were on song today, both himself and Paul. He gave an exhibition of jumping and racing. He just had horses out of their comfort zone from very early on.

“Cheltenham was very disappointing. I just felt that it wasn’t the Chacun Pour Soi that we know. I don’t know why he did what he did at Cheltenham. Maybe we just weren’t positive enough on him but it’s good to see that he’s back to himself.”