The Leonard Whitmore trained Kilford showed plenty of zip to make all for a 27 lengths win in the Newgrange Veterans Handicap Chase at Navan today, winning under jockey Luke Dempsey.

Cheltenham Festival winning jockey Dempsey sent the ten year old gelding clear from the second last fence and in the end the pair went quickly clear of their rivals on the run-in.

Afterwards Whitmore stated “I suppose he was only beating old horses coming to the end of their tether and he was entitled to do that.

“Hopefully the handicapper doesn't react too much to that. I know he's won by 27 lengths but that can happen around here on that ground when they get away in front.

“We'll go for something else quick enough while he's in good form.”

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Gary Carson