HURRICANE FLY, TWICE winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, has been retired from racing his trainer Willie Mullins announced today.
In a career that lasted more than a decade, ‘The Fly’ won 24 of his 32 races over hurdles, including a world record 22 wins at Grade 1 level.
Mullins — along with owners George Creighton and Rose Boyd — took the decision to retire the 11-year old one year after they had originally mulled over the move.
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Under Ruby Walsh, the son of Montjeu rewarded their faith with three Grade 1 victories last season.
The Fly retires undefeated at Leopardstown where he won 10 of his Grade 1s including the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2015.
But he will be best remembered as the first horse since 1975 to regain his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham when he followed up 2011 success with victory over Rock On Ruby in the 2013 running of the race.
“I don’t think I have seen a horse that can battle like him,” said Mullins, describing his charge as “the horse of a generation.”
A statement from the owners read: “[We] have been so privileged to own such a champion. He has produced us with so much joy for so long and we’re delighted to retire him at this time.
One of the all-time greats of horse racing has been retired
HURRICANE FLY, TWICE winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, has been retired from racing his trainer Willie Mullins announced today.
In a career that lasted more than a decade, ‘The Fly’ won 24 of his 32 races over hurdles, including a world record 22 wins at Grade 1 level.
Mullins — along with owners George Creighton and Rose Boyd — took the decision to retire the 11-year old one year after they had originally mulled over the move.
Under Ruby Walsh, the son of Montjeu rewarded their faith with three Grade 1 victories last season.
The Fly retires undefeated at Leopardstown where he won 10 of his Grade 1s including the Irish Champion Hurdle in 2015.
But he will be best remembered as the first horse since 1975 to regain his Champion Hurdle crown at Cheltenham when he followed up 2011 success with victory over Rock On Ruby in the 2013 running of the race.
A statement from the owners read: “[We] have been so privileged to own such a champion. He has produced us with so much joy for so long and we’re delighted to retire him at this time.
Originally published at 1.35pm
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Champion Hurdle Cheltenham Horse Racing Hurricane Fly Ruby Walsh The Fly