No flies on imperious Hurricane

Willie Mullins yesterday reported Hurricane Fly none the worse for his spectacular seasonal reappearance at Leopardstown.

The eight-year-old enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, with victories in the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham featuring among five unbeaten Grade One triumphs.

His comeback had been delayed up until his defence of his Irish Champion Hurdle crown on Sunday as Mullins had not been entirely happy with his stable star in the first half of the season.