Impressive Hurricane lays down Champion Hurdle marker

THE conclusion to be drawn - following yesterday’s paddypower.com IPhone December Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown - is that whatever beats Hurricane Fly at Cheltenham will win the Champion Hurdle.

This was a breathtaking display by Willie Mullins’ star, who stepped up plenty on his seasonal debut success in the Hatton’s Grace at Fairyhouse.

Bookmaker reaction saw Hurricane Fly shorten with William Hill to 7-2 favourite, from 11-2, for the Champion Hurdle.