Trainer Willie Mullins has stated that Hurricane Fly has stepped up his work with no ill effects and may make his long-awaited comeback at the Punchestown Festival.

Mullins said: "Hurricane Fly completed his first two bits of faster work this week and came through them absolutely fine. I've been very pleased with him and he doesn't seem to be in any way stiff or sore, so I'd hope to be able to kick on with him and do a bit more again next week."

The six-year-old holds an entry for the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown festival on April 23, and the son of Montjeu hasalready tasted success at the festival, winning the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle by seven lengths from Kempes last year.