Solwhit set for chase campaign
Charles Byrnes' star hurdler Solwhit is set to embark on a novice chase campaign according to big-race jockey Davy Russell.
Last Updated: 26/10/11 1:08pm
Solwhit is set to embark on a novice chase campaign according to big-race jockey Davy Russell.
Charles Byrne's star hurdler has chased home Hurricane Fly on no less than four occasions since March 2010 and Russell is hopeful that the seven-year-old can add to his 12 career wins now tackling fences.
Russell told At The Races: "As far as I know Charles (Byrnes) is aiming at a novice chase campaign, although I've not schooled him over fences yet.
"Hurricane Fly has turned the majority of horses away from the Champion Hurdle and the Arkle looks like it could be one of the hottest races of the season.
"It'll be a hell of a novice season when you look at the horses of (Nicky) Henderson, Donald McCain and Paul Nicholls."
The son of Solon is rated 162 over hurdles but Russell believes that the 2010 Irish Champion Hurdle winner can improve further over the bigger obstacles.
"I think he'll make a better chaser than a hurdler," declared Russell.
"It (the fences) wouldn't be a worry for me as he's a very clever horse and he should cope with them fine - he's very quick over hurdles."