Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly bounced back with a win at Leopardstown today when trouncing his rivals in the Grade 1 BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle.
Absent since winning at Punchestown last May, the son of Montjeu readily overcame his much publicised 268 day absence, scoring a six and a half lengths win over Oscars Well
Ridden by Ruby Walsh, Hurricane Fly had his four rivals hard at work from two out and moved clear before the final flight. Oscars Well did give chase on the run-in but never looked like winning while there was another three and a half lengths break to Thousand Stars with Christmas Festival Hurdle winner Unaccompanied disappointing in fourth.
Afterwards winning trainer Willie Mullins said “He completely surprised me - that must have been as good a performance as he has ever produced. I’d love to know what Noel O’Brien (handicapper) thinks of it!
“They went a right good gallop and Ruby said he wasn’t enjoying the heavy ground early on but he came alive at the third last.
“I was a bit anxious about the ground and he was very quiet in the parade ring before the race. We had been worried going to Cheltenham last year and how he would handle the parade - normally two lads lead him around but maybe he is maturing.
“I was a little concerned that he would flop today as my first two horses today disappointed. We’ll keep the lid on him between now and Cheltenham.
“I wasn’t happy with him early in the season but he just came right recently and everything went according to plan since. I think he can improve from today and we’ll try to keep him sound now for March.”
Hurricane Fly was subsequently cut to 5/6 (from 7/4) for the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle with Stan James Bookmakers, while Oscars Well was pushed to 16/1 (from 14/1).
