Solwhit is the clear 7-2 (from 9-2) favourite with Coral for the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, following his success in this afternoon's Toshiba-sponsored Irish version.
Celestial Halo has been eased to 16-1 (from 9-1) for the Cheltenham showpiece, following his disappointing run at Leopardstown, a rare reverse for trainer Paul Nicholls, who dominates the betting for the other Festival championship races, after Twist Magic's Ascot victory on Saturday saw his Champion Chase odds halved to 4-1 second favourite, behind 6-4 favourite Master Minded.
"Weekend defeats for reigning champion Punjabi and last year's runner-up Celestial Halo mean Solwhit is now clear favourite to take the Champion Hurdle prize back across the Irish Sea, although the race remains the most open of all the Festival highlights," said Coral's David Stevens.
Earlier winners at Leopardstown included Rite Of Passage, 14-1 with Coral for the Supreme Novices', and An Cathaoir Mor, the same price for the Arkle.
Follow this link to Coral for information on how to get a free bet on this year's Champion Hurdle.
**Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle
7-2 (from 9-2) Solwhit, 4-1 Zaynar, 6-1 Go Native, 8-1 Binocular, 10-1 Khyber Kim, 12-1 Punjabi, 14-1 Medermit, Voler La Vedette, 16-1 Celestial Halo, Dunguib, Starluck, 20-1 Sublimity, 25-1 Donnas Palm, Rock Noir, 40-1 American Trilogy, Jumbo Rio, Muirhead, 50-1 Bar
**Irish Independent Arkle Trophy
4-1 Captain Cee Bee, Sizing Europe, 7-1 Somersby, Tataniano, 12-1 Long Run, Mikael D Haguenet, Riverside Theatre, 14-1 An Cathaoir Mor, Sports Line, 16-1 Osana, 20-1 Mad Max, Zaarito
**Queen Mother Champion Chase
6-4 Master Minded, 4-1 Twist Magic, 8-1 Big Zeb, 9-1 Forpadydeplasterer, 10-1 Kalahari King, 14-1 Barker, Golden Silver, Petit Robin, Sizing Europe, 20-1 Voy Por Ustedes, 25-1 Free World, Oh Crick, Well Chief, 33-1 Bar
**Ladbrokes World Hurdle
4-7 Big Buck s, 11-2 Karabak, 12-1 Diamond Harry, Sentry Duty, 20-1 Lie Forrit, 25-1 Fair Along, Katchit, Mighty Man, Mr Thriller, Powerstation, Tidal Bay, Time For Rupert, 33-1 Jumbo Rio, Katchit, Mourad, Ninetieth Minute, War Of Attrition, 40-1 Bar
**Totesport Gold Cup
5-4 Kauto Star, 7-4 Denman, 12-1 Imperial Commander, 20-1 Cooldine, 25-1 What A Friend, 33-1 Carruthers, 40-1 Money Trix, Notre Pere, 50-1 Madison Du Berlais, 66-1 Bar
