Solwhit claims Irish Champion Hurdle

Solwhit powered to victory in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown today.

Davy Russell 's mount ground out a comprehensive success, pulling clear on the run-in to score by four-and-a-half lengths from Sublimity

Charles Byrnes' charge had to work hard to get past Sublimity, however, as that rival travelled best turning into the straight.

The 5/6 favourite got on top at the final flight and asserted on the run for home. Sublimity failed to pick up and Donnas Palm came through late to grab second.

"All he wants is a properly run race and he got that today," said Byrnes afterwards.

"That's all we wanted all season. The Fighting Fifth they absolutely walked and sprinted for three furlongs.

"He's absolutely brilliant to jump - the fastest jumper I've ever had. You could see in the parade ring that he's so calm and takes everything really easy.

"Keith, who rides him out, said that he was happier with him today than at any stage of the season.

"Hopefully we'll get him in the same form for Cheltenham. My only concern for Cheltenham would be good ground.

"He does handle good ground but might need a bit further on it, though he'll take his chance."

"He's a horse that doesn't take much work at home and it's all systems go now."

Russell was also delighted that his partner got the race run to suit: "I've always said that he needs competitive racing.

"I had them all covered for a long way out bar Sublimity, who travelled well into the straight.

"I was off it before him but that's normal really. He kept picking up and jumped very accurate. He was even a little idle to the line.

"He's living up to expectations now. I wouldn't be concerned about good ground at Cheltenham, only a lack of pace but the hill looks tailor made for him."