Irish raider Hurricane Fly became only the second horse to regain his Champion Hurdle crown when he prevailed here on Tuesday on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The 2011 winner – who joins Comedy of Errors in 1973/75 in reclaiming his title – was never travelling well but battled throughout and once jockey Ruby Walsh sent him to the front on the final bend he was never challenged.
The Willie Mullins-trained 13/8 favourite came home clear of last year’s champion Rock on Ruby, who had set a searing pace throughout till being passed by the winner, while 16/1 outsider Countrywide Flame was third.
Walsh, who had earlier combined with Mullins to win the opener with the appropriately named Champagne Fever, said that his supreme confidence in the winner had faded once the race got underway.
“This is brilliant as my confidence in past three weeks evaporated once we got started,” said the 33-year-old Irishman.
“However, he showed unbelievable courage. He has a big heart and is tough as nails.
“I’m glad he came back and showed he was a true champion.”
Mullins was delighted but added that he had been at the wrong end of one of his star’s worst traits when he fed him in the morning.
“His favourite characteristics are ‘fighting and biting’ and I got his full attention this morning in the latter respect when I bent down to fetch up some water for him,” he said.
“I will only be able to use one side of the bar stool tonight!”
Harry Fry, trainer of Rock On Ruby, was gracious in defeat.
“We have been beaten by a superb champion,” said Fry, in his first season as a trainer.
“To finish second is no disgrace.”
Hurricane Fly regains title at Cheltenham Races
