Anyone who witnessed the thrilling Ryanair Hurdle duel between Hurricane Fly and Jezki will be delighted to learn the pair are set to meet again at the end of this month.
Willie Mullins and Jessica Harrington’s stable stars head an eight-strong field for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 25, with reigning Cheltenham champ Jezki looking to reverse the recent trend in favour of The Fly.
The form guide would suggest Mullins has the whip hand, with Hurricane Fly unbeaten in nine starts at the course and aiming for a record fifth Irish championship.
There is also the enticing prospect of fellow Mullins ace Faugheen testing himself on home soil against Hurricane Fly after sweeping all before him at Kempton on St Stephen’s Day, but it is more likely that we’ll have to wait until Cheltenham for that mouthwatering clash.