Hurricane Fly Set for Punchestown Date

One of the more disappointing losses for many punters at Cheltenham this year was when Hurricane Fly failed to capture the champion hurdle on opening day. Ruby Walsh simply hung him back too far and the pace horses were able to seal the deal over the short distance as the ground did not offer up much for those kicking on late.

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Rock On Ruby romped home for a famous 12/1 victory.

But the Willie Mullins yard is not resting on their laurels as they've entered Hurricane Fly in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in April.

Speaking to the media, Mullins declared “We were hoping settling better would improve him but it didn't and we paid the price but hopefully we'll get him back to winning ways by Punchestown.” A crunch several weeks of training is now ahead of Hurricane Fly as connections look to get him back to top form.

Several popular yards, including Cheltenham ever-present Paul Nicholls, failed to have outstanding an outstanding meeting as Nicky Henderson drew the plaudits in a dominant four-day performance in a number of key races.

Boston Bob suffered a similar fate as Hurricane Fly despite not being backed as heavily. He will also be pointed towards Punchestown after disappointing the Albert Bartlett. Expect to see him in the newly-renamed War Of Attrition Novice Hurdle, which is set to be contested at a 3m distance.

One will have to wonder just how much the Champion Hurdle took out of Hurricane Fly and whether he'll be firing on all cylinders come Punchestown.