War God stayed on stoutly in the closing stages to run out a convincing winner of the Kilmallock Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.

Enda Bolger 's charge had shown improvement to finish fourth at a big price on his most recent outing at Naas and took another step forward today.

Darragh O'Keeffe was prominent early on the 9/2 shot before settling in behind the leaders.

The Mahler gelding was pushed along to chase leader The Cathal Don turning for home and jumped into the lead two from home as the 11/8 favourite paid for running keenly early on.

War God was in control going to the last and galloped on to record a five-and-a-half length success over Aboutagout

"He had a nice run at Naas the last day in a winter maiden hurdle and when I saw this race with no bumper winners in it, it was the step to go,” said Bolger.

"We fancied him but the lads said after the first race that the ground was well watered for a good ground horse but he got the job done and got a lovely ride from Darragh.

"We'll try and find something for him in Killarney now and he is belonging to a good friend of mine Paul Leonard who is at home watching it . He's after shouting the television down!"

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)