Hurricane Fly has jumped to a world record 17 Grade One wins with victory in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown in Ireland.
The Willie Mullins-trained champion overtook Paul Nicholls’ outstanding steeplechaser Kauto Star and legendary American Flat performer John Henry as the winning-most horse at the highest level with his eighth course and distance win.
Sent off at 1-16, Hurricane Fly registered a 21st career victory from 32 starts when he defeated stablemate Marito by a length-and-a-quarter.
Mullins also had the third and fourth through Mikael D’Haguenet and Midnight Game, with Michael Bowe’s Akatara last of the five.
“It’s great to get that out of the way. That’s probably one of his least impressive performances, if not his least,” Mullins said.
“…he’ll improve away during the rest of the season. He came back very strong and even though he was working well he needed that badly.
“He will stick to the same routine and hopefully he comes out of this safe and sound and we’ll look forward to Christmas (Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown).”
Ruby Walsh, who rode Kauto Star to 14 of his Grade One wins and has been on board for 11 of Hurricane Fly’s, was quick to pay tribute to Mullins and Nicholls.
“To keep a jumps horse on the go that long, to win 16 (Grade Ones) with him (Kauto Star), and for Willie to do it with Hurricane Fly, to go and win 17 is incredible,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be able to ride him, but the work everyone puts into it at home is incredible – I only get to see him at the races.”
Despite the win, Coral eased Hurricane Fly to 5-1 from 4-1 for third success in the Champion Hurdle in March with a spokesman saying the Punchestown victory lacked sparkle and he would find it much tougher at Cheltenham.
Mullins also struck with the Walsh-ridden trio of Faugheen, Felix Yonger and City Slicker and enjoyed a treble at Cork.
