Hurricane Fly ‘all set’ to defend his Champion Hurdle title, says Willie Mullins
Star trainer, Willie Mullins, has claimed that Hurricane Fly is ‘all set’ to defend his Stan James Champion Hurdle title at Cheltenham. Last year’s Champion Hurdle winner will be seen defending his crown on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.
The Grade 1 Stan James Champion Hurdle is one of the most important races on the opening day of the festival. The 2m110y has attracted 10 speedy runners, who will pursue a cash prize worth £210,715.
Alongside Hurricane Fly, the runners competing in the mega event are: Binocular, Brampour, Celestial Halo, Kalann, Oscars Well, Overturn, Rock On Ruby, Zaidpour and Zarkandar.
With such a powerful line-up, it is not going to a straightforward outing for Hurricane Fly. However, Mullins is confident of a positive result, saying that the eight-year-old has been in great rhythm since his success in the Irish Champion Hurdle.
Mullins said:
"He's a very special horse - we've known that since the beginning and his record of ten Grade 1 wins speaks for itself. All has gone really well with him since his win in the Irish Champion Hurdle."
“His work and his schooling has been very good and we're all looking forward to seeing him attempt to defend his crown. The ground is going to be safe and he is all set," added Ireland’s champion handler, who is hot favourite for the Top Trainer award at
Cheltenham.
Hurricane Fly has been unbeaten since his classy success in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in 2010. Out of his 14 starts over hurdles, the champion runner came out as winner on a dozen of occasions.
With such a brilliant track record to his credit, the gelding is currently holding the highest odds for the imminent Champion Hurdle. Bet365 has rated him 4-5 favourite, whereas his starting price with Paddy Power is 5-6.
Binocular has been considered as the biggest threat. Nicky Henderson’s eight-year-old is currently carrying the second highest odds of 9-2 with Paddy Power and Bet365.
Mullins will also be represented by Zaidpour, who is due to be ridden by P. Townend. Paul Nicholls has the strongest representation in the Champion Hurdle. British Champion handler will be represented by Brampour, Celestial Halo, Rock On Ruby and Zarkandar.
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