Hurricane within 3lbs of Istabraq Hurricane Fly was rated 3lb clear of Peddlers Cross when beating him to win a first Champion Hurdle, and confirmed his standing when defeating the previous year's winner Binocular at Punchestown. The Irish handicapper Noel O'Brien said: "Hurricane Fly got the rating of 173 from Punchestown, he was probably 172 at Cheltenham. "He has always looked a champion in waiting and he got his chance this year. I think he's one of the best hurdlers we have seen for quite a while, the way he jumps and travels. "All things being equal, I don't see any reason why he shouldn't go higher in the ratings in the future." Hurrican Fly's new rating leaves him just 3lb short of that given to the three-times Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq at his peak
