Hurricane faces four Hurricane Fly makes his eagerly-awaited seasonal reappearance in Sunday's BHP Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown, where he will face four rivals. Trained by Willie Mullins, the son of Montjeu was imperious throughout the whole of the last campaign, winning five Grade Ones on the bounce, including the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham. Hurricane Fly, the mount of Ruby Walsh, will be having his first outing since successful at Punchestown last May after Mullins sidestepped a number of engagements as he was not totally satisfied with his charge at home. The Irish champion trainer also runs the admirable Thousand Stars, winner of the Morgiana Hurdle earlier this term. Thousand Stars could, however, finish only second to Dermot Weld's smart filly Unaccompanied in the Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas. With Unaccompanied's regular partner, Paul Townend, required by Mullins for Thousand Stars, Davy Russell rides for the first time. Oscars Well is without a win in three starts this season but Jessica Harrington will be hoping to see more from last season's smart novice. The field is completed by the Sabrina Harty-trained Kalann.
