Hurricane Fly could run in French Champion Hurdle
Mullins has already won the Grande Course de Haies d’Auteuil four times, and earmarked the record-breaking 11-year-old as a likely contender for the race.
Hurricane Fly, an honourable third behind stablemate Faugheen in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last Tuesday, could also run at Punchestown during the spring.
“I would like to go for the French Champion Hurdle with him and this looks like it could be the year to do it.”
“There is Punchestown for him as well. If he’s well in himself he could well take in both places.”
Mullins, who claimed an extraordinary eight winners at the Festival, reported no major injury concerns amongst his huge Cheltenham squad.
“Bordini and Adrianna Des Mottes are a bit sore after their races but there’s nothing serious,” said the trainer.
“Punchestown is the way I usually go with the big guns and I don’t see that changing much. I would imagine Faugheen will go there. He got a bit of a cut in his race, but he’s all right.
“Now it’s a case of recovery and recuperation and getting ready for the rest of the big meetings this season. The tough job of getting them hard fit for Cheltenham is done, so it’s mainly a case of keeping them ticking over for Fairyhouse, Aintree and Punchestown.”
Jessica Harrington refused to make any excuses for Jezki after he finished fourth when defending his crown in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last Tuesday The seven-year-old was beaten just over eight lengths by the hugely impressive Faugheen.
“Ruby (Walsh) was able to dictate and got a soft lead on Faugheen, but the best horse won on the day,” said Harrington.
“He (Jezki) was only fourth and that is how good he was on the day.”
Harrington confirmed that the Punchestown Champion Hurdle, which Jezki won last season, would be his next target.
