Hurricane Fly, the two-time Champion Hurdle winner who went on to secure a record-breaking 22 grade one victories, has been retired.
Willie Mullins, trainer of the outstanding 11 year-old, made the announcement this afternoon. Sadness that one of the sport’s all-time greats has run his final race will be tempered by the fact that he has bowed out in one piece.
Mullins called time on his career after a discussion with the horse’s owners, George Creighton and Rose Boyd. It could not have been a difficult decision, given that the 11-year-old, who earned his connections almost £1.9million in prize money, no longer has the pace to trouble the best over two miles and that he has looked vulnerable when running over farther.
“He’s a legend of a horse,” Mullins said. “This day was always going to come and it’s great that we’re doing it on our terms, rather than due to an injury or something like that.
“He’s come back into training and he’s really well in himself, but having had a chat with the owners, they were keen enough to retire him while he is still in great order.
Advertisement
“He’s a horse who has everything — speed and stamina and an incredible bravery and aggressiveness. I think those are the key factors.”
A statement from the owners spoke of their appreciation for their “champion” and his trainer. “The Creighton and Boyd families have been so privileged to own such a champion,” it said. “He has produced us with so much joy for so long and we’re delighted to retire him at this time.”
Ruby Walsh, who won 18 times on Hurricane Fly, said in his blog for Paddy Power: “Hurricane Fly is the best hurdler I have ever sat on. The only hurdler you can compare him to in my lifetime is Istabraq.
“He was as good as ever last season and was still winning proper grade ones contests – not the ‘gimmes’ or walkovers that some would have you believe his career consisted of.
“His longevity and durability is what will mark him out as one of the true greats in jumps racing.”
Advertisement
Paul Townend also clicked with him, gaining six wins at the highest level. “He played a huge part in my career,” Townend said. “I owe him a lot. He was a tough horse with a huge heart and a will to win.”
Hurricane Fly, a son of Montjeu, was bred for the Flat and won twice in that sphere, in France, before joining Mullins and being unleashed over obstacles. He was never one to knock your eye out in the paddock but what he lacked in looks, he made up for in speed, jumping prowess, durability and tenacity.
He was unbeatable at Leopardstown, winning each of his ten races at the venue. He has won the past five renewals of the Irish Champion Hurdle and also shone at the Punchestown Festival, registering four wins at that showpiece meeting.
Hurricane Fly was not so dominant at Cheltenham, with some questioning his appetite for the undulations of Prestbury Park.
However, it did not stop him winning the Champion Hurdle in 2011, or again in 2013 when he became the first horse since Comedy Of Errors, 38 years earlier, to regain the title. He was also third in the race on two other occasions, including this year behind Faugheen, his stablemate.
Advertisement
Hurricane Fly made history in November, 2013, when securing his 17th grade one success - overhauling the record previously held equally by Kauto Star and John Henry.
His last run was when sixth in the Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil (French Champion Hurdle) in June. It was the first time that he had ever finished outside the first four in 32 races over jumps.
Overall, his form figures over jumps read: 11211/ 131/ 1111/ 1131/ 11111/ 1114/ 21113-26.