Plenty of options for impressive Solwhit

Seasonal debutant Solwhit repeated last year’s win in the Grade 1 Dobbins & Madigans At Punchestown Hurdle at Punchestown yesterday, recording a convincing victory over Voler La Vedette to justify 11/10 favouritism.

Although reportedly not as forward as for the same race last year, the six-year-old was strongly supported from 11/8 on track and gave his supporters no worries, tracking front-runner Donnas Palm and jumping with his customary zest until Davy Russell made his move turning for home.

Soon in front, Solwhit had the race in safe-keeping going to the last and, despite tiring on the run-in, had two and a half lengths to spare over Voler La Vedette at the line, with Donnas Palma length and a half away third,