Fly firmly on course for Leopardstown

WILLIE Mullins reports Hurricane Fly (right) to be “100%” ahead of his planned seasonal return in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old was unbeaten in five Grade One starts last season, landing the Irish Champion Hurdle, the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham and rounding off a stellar campaign with victory at Punchestown.

But the French-bred gelding has sidestepped two intended runs already this season, with the champion trainer admitting he had not been pleased with how his star performer had been showing up at home.