Champion Hurdle rivals Hurricane Fly and Jezki renewed acquaintances in a thrilling Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown today.
And it was Willie Mullins’ veteran that came away with the spoils, lowering the colours of last year’s Cheltenham champion Jezki in a cracking finish.
Hurricane Fly trailed Jezki right the way round the Kildare track, inching closer as the pair rounded the turn the for home behind outsider Little King Robin.
Ruby Walsh then positioned his mount for the charge for home, drawing alongside as they jumped the last and finally seeing off Jessica Harrington’s star by two and a half lengths to claim a stunning 20th Grade One success.
Trainer Mullins said: ‘It’s not going to be like that all season but the way the race was run worked out well for us. Tactically, Ruby was very good. Hurricane Fly is getting older but if he can reproduce that sort of form then you’d be hopeful of more to come from him in top races.’
Twice a former Festival champ, the victory sees Hurricane Fly lowered from 20/1 to 14/1 with Ladbrokes.
