Can anyone weather the awesome Hurricane?
Even though it might be ‘bad form’ to say so, surely the best hope those planning to tackle reigning champion hurdler Hurricane Fly at Cheltenham in March have of getting their hands on the two-mile hurdling crown, is if the great but sometimes fragile Irish sensation fails to make it to the starting line-up, writes Elliot Slater.
If he does make it to the starting tape on Tuesday, March 13, it is hard to conceive that Willie Mullins’ superstar can be beaten by any of those listed to take him on, after the son of Montjeu put up a simply stunning performance on his belated seasonal reappearance in the Grade 1 BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown at the end of January, sending a very clear message to all potential rivals that they are going to have to improve a hell of a lot if they are to get within striking distance of a horse who is beginning to gain a cult following. Those following the best Cheltenham odds online will know he looks unbeatable.
After weeks of doubts over his fitness following reports in November and early-December that Mullins had not been happy with the way the eight-year-old had been working at home, Ruby Walsh’s mount had a point to prove when he lined up against stable companion and French Champion Hurdle winner Thousand Stars, and the smart pair of Oscars Well and the mare Unaccompanied, in what was a quality renewal of a top level contest.
In the event the race was turned into a procession, Walsh remaining motionless for most of the two-miles as Hurricane Fly glided through the soft ground and past his toiling rivals, eventually easing to the front approaching the last before nonchalantly pulling nearly seven-lengths clear to beat Oscars Well as he pleased. This was a brilliant win and one that Mullins suggested might well have been the very best of the gelding’s glittering career.
Surely, bar a fall, Hurricane Fly is going to be crowned the best in the business once again and, with respect to the flying mare Quevega, must be the Irish banker of the four-day meeting.