Hurricane Fly is the new clear favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle after impressively landing odds of 8/11 in the paddypower.com iPhone App December Festival Hurdle. Luska Lad made the running in what proved to be a tactical affair but the writing was on the wall as Hurricane Fly travelled strongly to challenge in the straight, with Solwhit caught in a bit of a pocket on the inner.

The odds-on favourite stuck the front over the last, and quickened up nicely with the minimum of fuss for Paul Townend to score by two and a half lengths from Solwhit who made a slight mistake at the last.

Luska Lad could find no extra on the run-in, just losing the runner-up spot in the closing strides.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said, “I thought the run at Fairyhouse took a good bit out of him and was afraid that he was a little bit flat coming here today. But he had to take his chance, and once again he showed what a turn of foot he has.”

He added, “There is nothing set in stone but I would like to get three runs into him before Cheltenham, and I'd say he'll come back here for the Irish Champion Hurdle next month.”

Charles Byrnes was “very happy” with Solwhit and has “no real plans”, while Shark Hanlon said, “I'm thrilled with that run which is probably the best of his career. It's the first time that he's gone that way and I was a bit afraid as he's better going right-handed. He'll probably come back here for the Irish Champion Hurdle.”

Hurricane Fly is 3/1 with the sponsors for the Stan James Champion Hurdle, while Boylesports also go 3/1 (from 4's) and Sean Graham make him a 7/2 chance.

Stan James bet: 3/1 Hurricane Fly, 4/1 Menorah, 5/1 Binocular, 13/2 Peddlers Cross, 16/1 Khyber Kim, 18/1 Bar.