Solwhit storms home on return

Solwhit made a winning return to action when claiming the Dobbins & Madigans at Punchestown Hurdle in good style.

Davy Russell 's mount quickened up nicely when sent to the front turning for home and proved two-and-a-half lengths too strong for Voler La Vedette in the Grade 1 contest.

The Charles Byrnes-trained gelding was a warm order (11/10 favourite), despite some fitness worries.

He tracked leader Donnas Palm throughout, before hitting the front going to the final flight.

Voler La Vedette tried to throw down a challenge from the last but was never getting on terms with Solwhit, who kept on strongly to repeat last year's victory in the contest.

“He did it well, and you could see he was very relaxed during the race. He got a bit tired after the last but I'm happy to have that over with," said Byrnes afterwards.

"We'll look at the Hattons Grace now. Before I didn't like running him again too soon but he's got so relaxed at home that he's taking nothing out of himself.

"We took him away for a few gallops before today but he didn't exert himself too much.

"We will not be targeting him specifically at Cheltenham, and will go for all the Grade 1's like Leopardstown at Christmas and the Irish Champion back there.”

Paddy Power and Stan James both go 10/1 about the winner for the Champion Hurdle while Ladbrokes are 12/1 (from14/1).

Voler La Vedette performed with plenty of credit and trainer Colm Murphy was delighted with her display:-

"I'm delighted to bits with her. She settled really well. It was a case of having to run as there is not much for her.

"She was staying on to the line and I've no doubt she'll get 2m4f. We'll see how she comes out of this but we'll look at the Hattons Grace.

"If there aren't too many big guns she could go for it. She hasn't that many options.

"I could have a look across the water but it's a worry travelling her so I probably won't."

A return to Cheltenham for the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle could be considered:-

"I wouldn't rule it out but there is also Fairyhouse and Punchestown."