THE BRILLIANT HURRICANE FLY has set a new world record after winning his 17th Grade One race in Punchestown Sunday afternoon.
The Willie Mullins’ hurdler overtook both Kauto Star and John Henry as the most successful mount at horse racing’s highest level when he claimed success in the StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle, his seventh Grade One success at the Co. Kildare venue.
Although not his finest performance, the result never really looked in doubt once the nine-year old was brought to the fore by Ruby Walsh after the second last and he eased home ahead of Marito — the mount of Walsh’s sister Katie — and Mikael D’Haguenent.
The win is Hurricane Fly’s 17th in 19 races since joining Willie Mullins’ stable and brings his career earnings to over €1,600,000.
The workmanlike nature of the win failed to impress bookmakers, however, and he is now available at 6-1 — from 5/1 — for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
