Solwhit put his Newcastle run behind him after he landed the Leopardstown Golf Centre December Grade 1 Hurdle in the hands of Davy Russell making it his fourth Grade 1 win.

Russell who sat in behind the leaders made his move aboard the Solon gelding approaching the straight.

The pair were in front at the last and kept on well for a two length win over last year’s winner Sublimity

Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: “That makes up for the last day. We were never going to beat Go Native the last day as it turned into a three furlong sprint.”

“We will probably come back here for the Irish Champion Hurdle and then on to Cheltenham.”

“My only concern about Cheltenham would be the ground as he probably needs two and half miles on good ground.”

“Davy had a plan B today and he told us it was never going to turn out like it did in Newcastle. He wasn’t doing a whole lot out in front today.”

“He jumps really well and jumps well under pressure.”