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.

“He’s more the horse he was two years ago,’’ Mullins said. “Last year I was never really happy with him. He wasn’t doing well, we never got him to the same pitch we got him to the year before.

“This year, I feel, he’s back to that. However, he’s two years older from when he won the Champion hurdle but his homework suggests he’s up to the same rating as he was two years ago.’’

While making amends for last season’s Cheltenham disappointment is the main ambition this campaign, a more immediate priority is Sunday’s race, a challenge Mullins is relishing.

“The Irish Champion Hurdle is an extremely valuable and important race in its own right,’’ Mullins said at the official launch of the race in Dublin yesterday.

‘‘We’ve been fortunate enough with Hurricane Fly to win this race on two occasions and we’re looking forward to the race next Sunday. He’s a much more settled horse all round this year and he’ll have a very good chance.”

While Hurricane Fly is almost certain to go off favourite at Leopardstown he could face stiff competition as he looks to claim a 14th Grade 1 victory.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Binocular, like Hurricane Fly, a former Cheltenham Champion Hurdle winner is among the 14 entries and could be joined by stablemate Grandouet, who finished a fine second to Zarkandar in his comeback run at Cheltenham last month.

John Quinn’s Countrywide Flame, an easy winner of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, is another possible challenger from across the water.

Gordon Elliott’s Cause Of Causes, victorious on his last two starts, is also among the entries.

Dermot Weld could run both Unaccompanied and Hisaabaat while, along with Hurricane Fly, Mullins could run Zaidpour, So Young and Thousand Stars.

Solwhit is among the entries but is unlikely to take part having won at Naas on Saturday.

Captain Cee Bee, Trifolium and One Cool Shabra complete the entries list.