Fly facing lengthy absence

Willie Mullins admits he is unsure when his star hurdler Hurricane Fly will return to racecourse action after suffering a sprained suspensory ligament.

The son of Montjeu enjoyed a fantastic novice campaign over obstacles, registering three Grade One successes at Fairyhouse, Leopardstown and Punchestown.

The five-year-old was beaten into third by Solwhit and Muirhead on his seasonal reappearance, but had been due to renew rivalries with that pair in next week’s December Festival Hurdle.

That is now off the agenda and he is almost 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle on Betfair having been favourite for much of the summer.

“We worked him over the weekend and then when we pulled him out yesterday morning he was lame,” said Mullins.

“It’s obviously very disappointing and we aren’t sure yet when he will come back. I’m not sure if he can receive any treatment or whether he just needs time. I’ll just leave all that to the vets.”