War Of Attrtion makes a winning return

War Of Attrition made a welcome return to the winners enclosure in the Grade 3 The Star 'Best For Racing Coverage' Chase under Davy Russell in the familiar colours of Gigginstown House Stud.

The former Gold Cup hero, reappearing after a 22 month lay-off, drew clear in the straight to beat Kicking King by 19 lengths, and Mouse Morris said afterwards, "We couldn't ask anymore of him, and just hope he's sound in the morning. We've no real plans for him yet."

Winning rider Russell said, "The horse did everything we asked of him, and I'm just glad he has retained his ability."

Conor O'Dwyer commented, "He looks a million dollars and I'd love to come back to ride him. He jumped out to the left with me as well when I made the running on him, so I wouldn't be worried about that."

Tom Taaffe trainer of Kicking King said, "What you get is what you saw! I'm thrilled with the way he jumped, and he just got tired and ran out of petrol. We'll go for a conditions race at Thurles in December next with him and then it's off to Kempton with everything going well."

William Hill have quoted War Of Attrition at 25/1 for the 2009 totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup.