HURRICANE FLY, RIDDEN by Ruby Walsh, has triumphed over hot favourite Jezki in this afternoon’s StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown.
The race saw the renewal of one of racing’s classic duels with both horses enjoying two victories each over each other in recent years.
It was Hurricane Fly that came out on top this afternoon however as Ruby Walsh led the 10-year-old to its 20th Grade One victory.
There was a lot of talk in the build-up to the race that the Willie Mullins trained gelding’s best days were over after only finishing fourth at last February’s Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and runner-up to Jezki at Punchestown.
The doubters were well and truly silenced this afternoon however as the thoroughbred raced to a two-length victory over its arch nemesis.
After sitting in third place for much of the race it inevitably came down to the big two as they raced for the line with the Fly streaking ahead in the last few stages.
