Mullins expecting at least 5lb improvement from Hurricane Fly

Willie Mullins is convinced Hurricane Fly will improve by at least 5lb before the record-breaker bids to win the Champion Hurdle for a third time at Cheltenham in March.

The nine-year-old took his tally of Grade One victories to 18 when lifting the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday, defeating Jezki and Our Conor in fine style.

Hurricane Fly will return to Leopardstown next month for the Irish Champion Hurdle before attempting to retain his Cheltenham crown.