Solwhit caused a big shake-up in the betting for the Champion Hurdle by taking the notable scalp of Hurricane Fly in the Dobbins & Madigans At Punchestown Hurdle.

The latter was sent off the 8-13 favourite following an unbeaten novice campaign, but could not match the finishing kick of Charles Byrnes' stable star.

Davy Russell brought the five-year-old through to challenge long-time leader Muirhead and Hurricane Fly at the final flight and after they touched down virtually in unison, Solwhit engaged overdrive to score by two and a half lengths.

Muirhead kept on for second while Hurricane Fly, who had been ante-post for the Champion Hurdle, could finish only third.

William Hill and Victor Chandler were impressed and make Solwhit 4-1 favourite from 8-1 for the Champion Hurdle, while Hurricane Fly is out to 5-1 from 3s. Totesport and Paddy Power make Binocular their new favourite at 7-2 from 4-1.

"He was impressive there. If we weren't going to beat Hurricane Fly today we never were," said Byrnes, whose charge beat reigning two-mile king Punjabi at this track in April.

"My lad doesn't take a lot of work to get him right. I was delighted with the pace of the race and he loves coming between horses.

"He's entered in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and that's in two weeks' time, which is a problem. If he doesn't go there, we'll wait and run him over Christmas."

Willie Mullins was not too disappointed with Hurricane Fly's run.

The trainer said: "They finished in the order the handicapper had assessed them. It was his first step up into senior company and I'm happy with his performance "

Video of race

Courtesy of Go Racing.ie