Solwhit sizzles at Aintree Solwhit cemented his reputation as this seaon's premier staying hurdler in Britain and Ireland with another stylish victory in the John Smith's Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree. Victorious in last month's World Hurdle, any suggestion of fluke was dis-spelled with a forthright victory at 9/4. Ridden more prominently than usual by Paul Carberry, the winner was nevertheless given a typically patient ride with the jockey happy to let others lay down their challenges first in the home straight before cruising to the front. Smad Place went to the front three out under Wayne Hutchinson, with Holywell closing in and Won In The Dark also in contention. But none of them had an answer once Carberry took Solwhit to the front before the last. Holywell (9/1) kept on for second place, with Smad Place (5/1) rallying for third close home. "He was very good today," said Carberry. "He travelled well all the way and jumped brilliant - if anything, he was even better than at Cheltenham. He does just idle a bit in front but I was never in any doubt." Winning trainer Charles Byrnes added: "He was the form horse and I was hopeful he'd come on and do it again today. The plan was not to come here and keep him for Punchestown but he came out so well of Cheltenham it was an easy enough decision to make."
