Solwhit
(Healy Racing Photos)

A winner of six Grade One events, the nine-year-old was sidelined by injury for the best part of two years after chasing home old rival Hurricane Fly in the 2011 Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Despite the lengthy absence, the nine-year-old appeared to retain plenty of his old enthusiasm and ability when second to Bog Warrior on his comeback on New Year's Eve and he is now set to step up to Grade Three level this weekend.

Trainer Charles Byrnes said: "The intention is for him to run at the moment. Fingers crossed all goes well between now and Saturday.

"I was happy enough with his first run back and I've been happy with him since.

"His next run will tell us a lot more and we'll see where we stand after that."

Byrnes was on Monday forced to retire his other stable star Weapon's Amnesty due to injury, but he believes Solwhit has a better chance of extending his racing career.

"We'll take it a day at a time but I'd be more hopeful with Solwhit than with the other horse. Solwhit is a lot easier to get fit and doesn't need as much work," said the trainer.