Sol waits for Punchestown

Solwhit could lie in wait for the potential Champion Hurdle runners who continue their season on to Punchestown.

Although he suffered an unfortunate defeat at long odds-on just before Christmas, Charles Byrnes’ five-year-old was particularly impressive in last weekend’s Red Mills Trial Hurdle at Gowran.

He defeated Jazz Messenger by three lengths and although Byrnes has reported he was planning to stay low-key this season, the Rabobank Champion Hurdle – won last year by Punjabi – could be on the agenda.

“He won’t go to Cheltenham this year but we will probably wait for Punchestown and the two-mile race there,” said County Limerick-based Byrnes.

“He’s fine, and not doing much at the moment.”