Whiteout too strong for rivals at Kilbeggan

Whiteout made a winning return to jumping when running out an easy winner of the Follow Kilbeggan On Twitter Hurdle at the midlands venue.

Paul Townend tracked the leaders on the 4/7 shot before letting her hit the lead going to the fourth last hurdle. Jaime Sommers stayed on to give chase going to the final flight in the two-mile three-furlong contest but never looked like troubling the Willie Mullins-trained mare.

She went on to record a cosy four-and-a-half length success. It was her first win over timber since landing the Grade 1 mares hurdle at Punchestown in April 2016.

“She was entitled to do it but she still had to go out and do it. We didn't learn anything more about her,” said Townend.

“It was a lovely opportunity for her getting all the weight as she's a Grade 1 winner. You'd be disappointed if she didn't win to be honest.

“It was ideal. It's the perfect trip and lovely ground. The blinkers probably sharpened her up and gave her something to think about again. It was her first run over hurdles in the blinkers.”