The Irishman's day had started poorly when he fell in his first two races and was beaten on the 4-5 favorite Master Minded in the main event.

But that was forgotten when victory in the penultimate race on 4-1 favorite Sanctuaire handed him his 26th Festival winner, the first dating back to 1998.

Master Minded's bid for a hat-trick of victories in the Queen Mother Champion Chase was foiled by Irish raider Big Zeb. Ridden by Barry Geraghty, Big Zeb (10-1) led going to the last fence and came home six lengths clear of Tony McCoy's mount Forpadydeplasterer (10-1) with Master Minded fourth.

Geraghty told Channel 4 Racing: "He jumped well today. It was a good performance. I saw Master Minded but I had a lot of horse when I kicked for home." Winning trainer Colm Murphy, celebrating an Irish victory on St Patrick's Day, said: "It's one of things you hope will happen but when it does it's incredible." The day had started well for the Walsh family when Ruby's sister Katie Walsh won the first race on the card, a novice chase for amateur riders, on 14-1 chance Poker de Sivola.

Ruby was there to welcome her into the winner's enclosure with their father Ted cheering on from the TV commentary box where he was working as a pundit.

Katie, in tears after riding her first Festival winner, said: "I don't want to sound soft or anything but this is the best day of my life." Ruby, who rides Kauto Star in Friday's big clash with stable mate Denman in the Gold Cup, said: "It's brilliant for her. She works so hard." There was a sting in the tail, however, as Katie and her woman jockey colleague Nina Carberry on the runner-up received bans for excessive use of the whip.