Hurricane Fly© Photo Healy Racing
Hurricane Fly is the reigning champion hurdler. In addition he is unbeaten at Leopardstown (6-6) and aims to retain the Ryanair Hurdle today. Our Conor is unbeaten over hurdles including a 15-length romp in the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Jezki is a four-time Grade 1 winner over hurdles. He is seven from eight over hurdles with his only defeat coming at Cheltenham in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle when third behind Champagne Fever and My Tent Or Yours.
Something has to give today. Here are the views of connections.
Trainer Willie Mullins said of Hurricane Fly: "I was happy with him during the week at home. Paul (Townend) rode him, he was pleased with him. At the moment everything is going to plan. He's a lot better. He's improved a lot, he'll need to. It's a good race. He loves this place."
Our Conor's owner Barry Connell said: "It's what we've been waiting for all season. We had a hiccup in Naas, he picked up a knock and he missed the Morgiana. Since the Morgiana he's had a clear run. He did a bit of work after racing at Navan and we couldn't have been more impressed. He worked with Guitar Pete and Lyreen Legend.
"Everything is set fair, we just need a bit of luck. Hurricane Fly is six from six around here, this is his back yard. I suppose we'll be hoping to win but if he ran a good race and finshed a close second or close third it wouldn't be the end of the world. We are very happy with our horse and his preparations. We are not coming here second guessing. Everything is on track."
