Hurricane Fly once again got the better of old rival Solwhit to record a convincing victory in the BHP Insurances Irish Champion Hurdle.
Sean Graham were so impressed by the performance they make him their 5/2 joint favourite along with Binocular for the Stan James Champion Hurdle but Paddy Power left him unchanged at 5/1.
Any worries about a slow tactical affair were soon put aside as stable-companion Thousand Stars set a strong gallop. Hurricane Fly was always travelling well, and the 4/9 favourite made smooth headway to lead entering the straight.
Solwhit was ridden to try and challenge before the last where he was far from fluent. However it made little difference as Hurricane Fly had plenty in reserve and ran out a comfortable three and a half length winner.
Thousand Stars was another two lengths back in third, while Voler La Vedette and Sublimity (mistake three out) both failed to make any impact.
Willie Mullins, winning this prestigious prize for the first time, said, “Thousand Stars went a searching pace, and it was a proper trial for Cheltenham. He cut his heel here the last day, and only worked average the other day. That was a good performance and we'll give him a little break now before building him up again for Cheltenham. He can jump a bit right when there is nothing on his outside but is very slick when other horses are around him.”
Paul Townend was equally impressed saying, “It was a proper championship gallop. My lad jumped super, and I just gave him a slap after the last. He's a true professional and a proper horse.”
Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes said: "Although it was an impressive performance by Hurricane Fly today, we didn't feel it told us anything new about the horse's ability so he remains unchanged at 9/2 for The Champion Hurdle. "
Other bookmaker reaction on Hurricane Fly for Cheltenham included sponsors Stan James cutting him half a point to 9/2, while William Hill go 7/2 (from 4's).
