Hurricane Fly, Dual Champion Hurdle Winner, Dies Aged 22
The dual Champion Hurdle winner has passed away at 22, leaving a record of 22 Grade 1 victories in National Hunt history.
Key points
- Hurricane Fly, the dual Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of 22.
- The horse won a record-breaking 22 Grade 1 races during his career.
- Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh described him as the best jumper of a hurdle they ever rode.
The wind that once tore through the air at Cheltenham has fallen silent. Hurricane Fly, the dual Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of 22. The son of Montjeu leaves behind a legacy carved in the turf of recent National Hunt history, a life defined by the sheer force of his jump.
His final days were spent in the quiet green of the Irish National Stud, resting alongside other equine legends like Faugheen and Hardy Eustace. Yet his spirit remains etched into the memory of every track he conquered, a record-breaking twenty-two Grade 1 wins that stand as a testament to his brilliance.
A record-breaking career of victory
Between 2011 and 2015, Hurricane Fly dominated the sport with a ferocity few could match. He claimed the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham twice and swept the Irish Champion Hurdle five consecutive times. According to skysports.com, this streak cemented his status as one of the all-time greats, a horse who loved a battle and was so brave in every stride.
Trainer Willie Mullins described the hurdler as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to pass through his Closutton yard. Mullins noted that the horse would put his rivals into trouble with a precision that seemed almost mechanical, a perfect instrument of speed and class.
The perfect jumper in action
Ruby Walsh, who rode him to Festival triumphs, called him "the perfect horse." He praised the accuracy of the jump, the bravery in the take-off, and the speed of the feet. Walsh could ride him down to the hurdles knowing they were not there, for the horse would always do the right thing.
It was not just about the jump, though. The engine behind it was equally formidable. He had speed, he had class, and he stayed on when others faded. For a horse of his stature, he was a complete package, a rare blend of power and grace that defined an era.
A poignant farewell to a legend
Mullins visited the stud just before the end to say his goodbyes. He was joined by Gail Carlisle, a stable lass who had also come to pay her respects. The moment was deeply poignant, especially following the recent passing of co-owner Frank Boyd.
The Boyd and Creighton families expressed their deep sadness, thanking the staff at Closutton and the National Stud for the happy retirement the horse enjoyed. Hurricane Fly provided them with wonderful days and long-lasting memories, a final gift of joy in a life of intense competition.
