FIRST DAY BLUES Solwhit fails to deliver as Cheltenham festival begins
Wednesday March 17 2010
THE TOP of the Hill syndicate failed to deliver on the Smurfit Champion Hurdle when 'Solwhit' disappointed on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival yesterday (Tuesday).
The five-time Grade 1 winner had an interrupted preparation and last week was rated as doubtful to make the race.
Having scoped badly and coughed last week, 'Solwhit' missed out on a day's preparation, with trainer Charles Byrnes not making a decision on his participation until late in the week.
However, 'Solwhit' travelled to Britain on Saturday, and made the journey well. Still, given what had happened in the preparation, confidence dipped although he eventually went off 6-1 second favourite to 'Go Native'.
'Solwhit' never really featured in the race though, failing to deliver a challenge at any stage, finishing back in the field. Clearly his disjointed preparation last week had an affect on his fitness and health as he was unable to show his true potential.
It was a really fast-run race, with Tony McCoy a popular winner on 'Binocular' who two weeks back looked as if he would miss the action.
It was a disappointment for 'Solwhit's syndicate as the horse had hardly put a foot wrong all season, his only reverse coming at Newcastle when the early slow pace worked against him.
Blackwater jockey John Cullen had the mount on 'Raise Your Heart' in the race but failed to feature.
Meanwhile, Colm Murphy's 'Voler la Vedette' came in third in the final race, the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2), which was won by Carlow's Willie Mullins with 'Quevega'.
The second Wexford horse in the race, 'Here Comes Sally', trained in Killurin by Martin Pierce, failed in his bid for glory, while the Paul Nolan-trained 'Aura About You' was also unable to get into the placings.
- BRENDAN FURLONG
