Late scare for Fly in record bid

Hurricane Fly will have to put a late scare behind him when he bids to claim an historic fourth successive victory in the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown tomorrow.

The record-breaking 18-times Grade One winner and dual Cheltenham Champion Hurdle hero put younger rivals Jezki and Our Conor firmly in their place with a typically brilliant display in the Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival, and now aims to join Istabraq by winning this prestigious prize four times.

However, the 10-year-old’s preparation suffered a minor setback earlier this week and with Jezki and Our Conor back for more, trainer Willie Mullins admits his superstar will have to be right on his game with Ruby Walsh if he is to make it eight wins from as many starts at the Foxrock track this weekend.