Eight in BHP Irish Champion frame Hurricane Fly has frightened away most of the opposition as only eight horses have been entered for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 25. Willie Mullins's ace performer is set to attempt to make history as the first horse to win the race for a fifth time. Having already amassed a record 21 Grade One successes, Hurricane Fly is tied with Istabraq (1998-2001) on four wins in the two-mile contest and has an unbeaten record of nine victories at the course. Jezki, trained by Jessica Harrington, is set to provide the stiffest competition once again after the pair served up a thrilling finish to the Grade One Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas in which Hurricane Fly prevailed by half a length. Hurricane Fly's trainer Willie Mullins has also entered Ryanair Hurdle third Arctic Fire, plus Kempton's Christmas Hurdle winner Faugheen as well as Diakali. Des McDonogh won the race with Herbert United way back in 1986 and the County Meath trainer has given an entry to the four-year-old Fiscal Focus. The Intense Focus colt, bred and formerly trained by Jim Bolger, made a successful debut over hurdles on this track on Boxing Day. "You never know. There's not too many entered as it is at the moment. We'll just see nearer the time," said McDonogh. "I was delighted with him at Leopardstown. He's a very good horse, but he wants soft ground." The Aidan O'Brien-trained Plinth and last year's Triumph Hurdle winner Tiger Roll, who is trained by Gordon Elliott, complete the line-up.
