Hurricane Fly looks like future champion

Hurricane Fly was labelled a “serious machine” by Willie Mullins after breezing home for a second Grade One success in the paddypower.com Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The even-money favourite had overcome a slow pace to edge out Donnas Palm in the Royal Bond last month and clearly improved again from Fairyhouse to delight the Christmas crowd.

Paul Townend’s mount was toying with his rivals rounding the bend and scooted away when allowed an inch of rein, with his young rider only having to nudge the four-year-old out to come 10 lengths clear of Go Native.

Talk of a Champion Hurdle bid proved premature and Mullins will consider the two novice options at the Cheltenham Festival.

Cashmans slashed Hurricane Fly into 7-2 favouritism for the Ballymore Properties while Boylesports quote 6-1, the same price as William Hill offer about his chance in the Supreme.

Mullins said: “I thought he had come on a fair bit for his Fairyhouse run and his homework has been very, very good.

“I was just hoping for a clear round, and Paul gave him a very cool ride – he was as quiet as a mouse and got a clear run up the inside.

“He looks a serious machine, and I hope he can keep improving and that this isn’t the top.

“He has won on two and a half miles on heavy ground and two miles on good so has got it all.

“He will be entered in the Supreme and the Ballymore at Cheltenham. I also have Cousin Vinny, Mikael D’Haguenet and Quiscover Fontaine so will have to sit down and make a plan for them all in the New Year.”