Mullins: Fly back to 2011 level

Willie Mullins feels Hurricane Fly is back to the level he was at two years ago as the nine-year-old prepares to go in search of his third BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle crown in succession at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Hurricane Fly won the 2011 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle but disappointed at Prestbury Park last year, running well below par to surrender his title after finishing third to Rock On Ruby and Overturn.

Mullins revealed yesterday that he was ‘‘never really happy’’ with Hurricane Fly last year but added he now feels his charge is back to his brilliant best.