Solwhit second in French Champion Solwhit had to settle for second in the Grand Course De Haies D'Auteuil as Gemix took the honours in the prestigious event. For much of the closing stages it appeared as though the Grade One French Champion Hurdle was once again booked for Ireland as Solwhit made smooth progress through the field on to the heels of the leaders. However, it was not to be as no sooner had Charles Byrnes' charge closed on to the heels of the front-running Gemix, than David Cottin asked his mount to quicken again and the response was immediate. Solwhit did keep on for a clear second with Zaidpour faring the best of Willie Mullins' trio in third. Thousand Stars, who had won the last two renewals of this race, moved into a promising position at the top of the straight but could find no more while Celestial Halo, On His Own and Reve de Sivola never looked like playing leading roles. The Nicolas Bertran de Balanda-trained entire has been given a 12/1 quote by Paddy Power for the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at next year's Cheltenham Festival.
