Hurricane Fly (near side) and Paul Townend about to head Solwhit after the last in the 2010 Hatton's Grace Hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Three-times Irish champion jockey Paul Townend can look forward to a strong book of rides at this weekend’s high-profile two day fixture at Fairyhouse as Willie Mullins’ powerful yard starts to hit top gear.
Townend has been reflecting on some previous successes at the corresponding meeting, notably when partnering the great Hurricane Fly.
The Montjeu gelding achieved the first of an extraordinary 22 victories at Grade 1 level when winning the Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle as a 4-year-old in 2008.
“No-one knew what he could turn out to be. It was brilliant to get my first ride in a Grade 1 on Hurricane Fly. He duly obliged beating Donnas Palm and Cousin Vinny who had won the Champion Bumper in Cheltenham the previous season.
“It was a huge day and he was brilliant for my career. To get on a horse like that at the beginning, that’s what everyone needs, that little bit of luck."
Two years later Hurricane Fly, with Townend again in the saddle, got the better of Solwhit and Voler La Vedette in the Bar One Racing Hatton’s Grace Hurdle.
“They had many dust-ups. It was always a great race when Solwhit and Hurricane Fly met.
“He showed his class and his versatility stepping up in trip in the Hatton’s Grace, and obviously he was so effective over two miles as well."
Hurricane Fly was not to return again to Fairyhouse as he remained at two miles for the most part of his glittering career, winning the Champion Hurdle twice and being unbeaten in ten starts, all at the highest level, at Leopardstown.
“They were great days and we’d like to have one like him around the place at the moment but they’re few and far between. His record speaks for itself."
Regarding this Sunday’s renewal of the Hatton’s Grace, centre-piece of a terrific eight-race programme, Townend may have a choice to make if both of Willie Mullins’ entries stand their ground.
“Saldier obviously won the race in Punchestown (Morgiana Hurdle) last year and we haven’t seen him since. A very, very high-class horse but fragile so touch wood we can keep him sound.
"Bacardys started last season very impressively (beating Apple's Jade at Navan before being runner-up to Honeysuckle in the Hatton’s Grace) and just seemed to taper off a little bit so maybe he’s best fresh, which he is this time of year.
"The two of them are working away well at home. I’m not sure if the two of them go, it’s a bit early for Willie to have made up his mind. There will be a decision to be made if the two of them go there.
"They’re two good rides and if one goes it’ll be a good ride in the race and if the two go we’ll have to make a decision."
