Kim does it well in Aintree Hurdle

Champion Hurdle runner-up Khyber Kim went one place better with an impressive performance in the John Smith's Dick Francis Aintree Hurdle.

Sent off at 7-2 having found only Binocular too strong at Cheltenham last month, the Nigel Twiston-Davies inmate was ridden with confidence by Paddy Brennan at the rear of the field.

He crept into the contest on the turn for home and cruised up to take the lead after jumping the second-last.

Muirhead went in pursuit on the run to the last but Khyber Kim was not stopping and stayed on all the way to the line to score by five lengths.

Celestial Halo was in the process of running a a fine race but he and Walsh suffered a crunching fall in the home straight.

Brennan said: "It was unfortunate for Ruby because I followed him into the straight because I could see Zaynar was in trouble early but I always felt I was on the best horse, it's a dream to ride a horse like this.

"He has so much class, he's an absolute aeroplane, it's an amazing feeling riding him in a race.

"It just bounces back to Binocular though, he must be some horse."

Twiston-Davies said: "That was much better and we've always thought he would stay forever.

"That was a fine staying performance and he was probably in front too long.

"He was unplaced here last year but was then fifth in the Swinton Hurdle and we knew then he was on his way back.

"Something must have been hurting him but he has put himself right.

"We only have Binocular to worry about now and he is a big worry, but you've got to be hopeful.

"We've had a fantastic season. I never believed that Khyber could come back to do this.

"We now have the second best two-mile hurdler in the country and I hope next year we might have the best."

Noel Meade said of Muirhead: "He has been running on very bad ground in Ireland and when it came up like this, we knew we had to have a go.

"He was only five lengths behind in last year's Champion and there he is back to that form again, so we're pleased.

"I'm not sure if he will got to Punchestown, that is up to the owners, but the intention is to start off over fences next season."

Nicky Henderson said of Zaynar: "He finished a lot closer than it looked he might. He wants further and he will be good over three miles next year.

"That will be it for this year but there's nothing else for him really."