Fly regains Champion crown

Hurricane Fly regained his Champion Hurdle crown with a gutsy victory in the opening day highlight at Cheltenham.

Last year's winner Rock On Ruby set a strong pace in the lead and Hurricane Fly appeared to be outpaced mid-race as he failed to travel under Ruby Walsh.

Willie Mullins star, sent off the well backed 13/8f, got closer at the second last however and led turning for home.

He asserted going to the final flight and stuck to his task well in the closing stages to post a two-and-a-half length victory over the front-runner. Countrywide Flame was a length-and-three-quarters back in third.

Walsh was delighted afterwards as he spoke to Channel 4:- “I can't say I was ever overly confident. I've been confident for the past three weeks but from the word go he didn't travel like he can and he made a mistake or two.

“In fairness to him what he has, as well as all the class he has, is an unbelievably big heart for a small horse. He's as tough as nails

“Because I wasn't going and I wasn't happy I'm in front about two furlongs too soon but he pinged the last, as he always does, and ground it out to line.

“He's a cracking horse and I'm glad he got it back and showed everyone that he's a true champion hurdler.

“He's a wonderful little horse and a credit to the lads at home. Paul Townend rides him all the time and Gail Carlisle looks after him. Willie had him spot on and I only do the steering on the track – they do all the work.”

Mullins added:- “We knew he was in good form all year and he was winning what I thought were by far the best trials in Ireland.

“I thought all he needed was luck in running and he got that. Last year was so disappointing the whole year and then to come here and run disappointingly as well.

“Since he came back this year he's been much heavier and stronger and with every galloped and race he's had he's bounced back in a day. He's taken it in his stride.

“I just thought if I could get him here in the form he's been in all year and have no last minute hitches.

“He was soon impressive in the pre-parade ring and wanted to get on with the job.

“I was a bit worried at halfway but they've gone such a pace. I felt Ruby must know that too and tactically he has a clock in his head.

“He has great confidence in this horse as well and that was a big plus for the horse because a lot of other guys might have taken the stick out maybe at halfway and tried to keep him with the pace.

“Ruby just stayed where the horse is comfortable.”

Rock On Ruby's trainer Harry Fry said: "We've gone out there and served it up to them and just beaten by a true champion and a better horse on the day.

"We couldn't have asked for anymore. As always, he's put his all on the line and galloped from start to finish.

"Obviously we would have been delighted to have won, but to finish second to a champion like Hurricane Fly is no disgrace.

"It looked as though we might just have him (Hurricane Fly) on the ropes, but he is a true champion and has picked us up.

"Noel Fehily said he's run as well, if not better, than last year."