The David Fitzgerald Memorial Handicap Hurdle saw 14-year-old Kruzhlinin finish his career in the best possible fashion with a gritty display of front-running.

Jordan Gainford ’s mount jumped well in front and stayed on resolutely to just deny Buck Rogers who laid down a strong challenge on the run-in, by a nose.

It was a fourth win over hurdles, to go with six steeplechase victories, for the Sholokhov gelding who has also been a prolific performer in point-to-points.

Winning trainer Gordon Elliott, completing a double after Off Your Rocco in the opener, revealed afterwards that the stable favourite had run his last race.

"We were under pressure running him and I hope this win doesn't go unnoticed," said Elliott.

"We wouldn't run the horse unless he was in good form and this is great and he is retired now.

"We love all the horses in the yard, horses are first and foremost and while I want to train winners, we love the horses and in fairness to Camilla (Sharples, Elliott's head lass and owner of the winner) it is great.

"Everyone in the yard looks after this horse and he has also won 14 point-to-points. He will stay in the yard now to lead the young horses and it is brilliant."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes