Hurricane storms to Festival glory

Hurricane Fly confirmed authority over his old rival Solwhit with an effortless victory in the paddypower.com iPhone App Festival Hurdle at Leopardstown.

Willie Mullins’ Montjeu gelding was sent off the 8-11 favourite after his victory over two and a half miles in the Hatton’s Grace last time out, but he looked even more at home over the minimum trip.

Shark Hanlon’s Luska Lad set a generous pace up front but Paul Townend was keen not to let him get too far away on Hurricane Fly (8-11 favourite), while Solwhit tracked that rival into the straight.

While Davy Russell went for a daring run up the inner on Solwhit, he lost all chance with a slight mistake at the last, with Hurricane Fly, by contrast, spring-heeled.

Solwhit eventually got the better of Luska Lad but was two and a half lengths away from the impressive winner.

William Hill reacted by making Hurricane Fly their new outright favourite for the Champion Hurdle at 7-2 (from 11-2).

Mullins said: ``I thought the run at Fairyhouse took a good bit out of him and was afraid that he was a little bit flat coming here.

“But he had to take his chance, and once again he showed what a turn of foot he has.

“There is nothing set in stone but I would like to get three runs into him before Cheltenham, and I’d say he’ll come back here for the Irish Champion Hurdle next month.”

Charles Byrnes was “very happy” with Solwhit and has “no real plans”, while Shark Hanlon said of Luska Lad: “I’m thrilled with that run which is probably the best of his career.

“It’s the first time that he’s gone that way and I was a bit afraid as he’s better going right-handed.

“He’ll probably come back here for the Irish Champion Hurdle.”