Hurricane in Flying form

Willie Mullins reports Hurricane Fly in great form as he prepares the odds-on favourite to defend his Stan James Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham next month.

The eight-year-old Montjeu gelding made a brilliant seasonal reappearance in the BHP Insurance Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown last month, and Mullins has been very pleased with him since.

“He’s in great form, and is just doing a little light work but no strong canters. There is no stiffness or soreness at all. We couldn’t be happier with him.

The champion trainer is not concerned about any “bounce” effect from the Leopardstown run as “there is plenty of time between the two races”.

Frighteningly for his rivals Mullins believes the gelding could yet be even better at Cheltenham.

“He seems a different type of horse this year, a lot more settled. Normally it takes two people to lead him around the parade ring but he was very quiet at Leopardstown.

“The handicapper felt that he was right up to his best at Leopardstown and, with normal improvement, I'm hoping he could be even better at Cheltenham.”

Hurricane Fly is currently a top-priced 4/5 with Paddy Power for the Stan James Champion Hurdle.