Advertisement
Hurricane Fly after winning the Champion Hurdle in 2013. PA Archive/Press Association Images
The Fly

One of the all-time greats of horse racing has been retired

Hurricane Fly was retired from racing today.

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.

At The Races / YouTube

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.

Originally published at 1.35pm

Doping remains firmly in the spotlight despite Beijing fireworks

PGA golfer incredibly makes two holes-in-one in the same round at The Barclays

adsf

Your Voice
Readers Comments
12
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.