'Stronger' Hurricane ready to start

Willie Mullins reports Hurricane Fly to be "stronger than ever" ahead of his reappearance at Punchestown on Sunday.

The reigning champion hurdler defends his crown in the StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle and the trainer said: "We had a fantastic summer which meant fantastic grass so Hurricane Fly has come back stronger this year than ever which is extraordinary. Hopefully those looks will carry through to performance."

Ruby Walsh will again be aboard the remarkable nine-year-old and added: "Hurricane is in good form. He is a dual champion winner, is very good around Punchestown and has won plenty of races around there so we are looking forward to the race."

Jezki looks the main threat to Hurricane Fly in Sunday's race with the other five-day acceptors being Marito, Midnight Game, Mikael D'Haguenet, Un De Sceaux, Blood Cotil, Akatara and Annie Power.

Rory Jiwani of Stan James said: "We are really looking forward to seeing Hurricane Fly make his debut on Sunday. We are currently joint best price at 11/2 for Hurricane Fly to win his third StanJames.com Champion Hurdle next March. Surprisingly we haven't had that much interest in him despite these attractive odds and I would advise his fans to get on now as that price is sure to shorten if he wins Sunday's StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle."

In addition to top-class racing there will be an abundance of family entertainment with free activities for children, up to 60 shopping units in the arts and crafts area and a strong possibility of an early-season appearance from Santa Claus.

Dick O'Sullivan, Punchestown General Manager, said "We would like to welcome StanJames.com on board as feature sponsors at the Punchestown Winter Festival and wish them a successful campaign as they make their Irish racing sponsorship debut. In their first year as sponsors of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Hurricane Fly landed the race so they have a history!"