Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle victor trained by the legendary Willie Mullins, has died at the age of twenty‑two. The son of the great Montjeu, Hurricane Fly carved out a place among the most distinguished National Hunt horses of recent times, capturing the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in both 2011 and 2013 and dominating the Irish Champion Hurdle with five consecutive wins from 2011 through 2015. His record is staggering: a total of twenty‑two Grade One victories, a tally that still stands as a benchmark for excellence in jump racing. After a remarkable nine‑year career on the racecourse, he was retired in 2015 and spent his remaining years at the Irish National Stud, sharing pastures with other iconic thoroughbreds such as Faugheen, Hardy Eustace, and Beef Or Salmon.

Mullins, who has overseen some of the sport’s most successful horses, described the champion as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to ever pass through his Closutton yard. Regular jockey Ruby Walsh, who rode Hurricane Fly to many of his triumphs, called him "the perfect horse" and praised him as the finest hurdler he ever rode. "He won a record‑breaking 22 Grade One races, which was remarkable," Mullins told Sporting Life.

"He's one of the greatest horses to ever come through our stable. He was a horse who loved a battle and was so brave. Ruby could stand back anywhere on him and he'd answer. He just put his rivals into trouble.

He was such a proper horse. He was awesome, one of the biggest legends ever to come through Closutton." Walsh echoed those sentiments, recalling his partnership with the small but mighty gelding: "Hurricane Fly was a brilliant racehorse but was without doubt the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode.

He was incredible—his accuracy, his bravery, the speed at which he could move his feet. He was bomb‑proof; you could ride him down to hurdles like they weren't there because he was going to do the right thing every time.

He had the engine to go with it. He had speed, class, he stayed and was, in my eyes, for a little horse, the perfect horse." Beyond the statistics, Hurricane Fly's legacy is defined by the way he raced.

He possessed a rare combination of raw speed, relentless determination, and an uncanny ability to find the perfect stride over obstacles. When he approached a hurdle, he seemed to glide, his hooves barely touching the ground, yet his timing was flawless, allowing him to clear each obstacle with minimal effort while maintaining a blistering pace.

This blend of agility and power made him a crowd favorite and a nightmare for rival trainers. His retirement years were spent in a tranquil environment at the Irish National Stud, a sanctuary for former champions.

There, he lived alongside fellow legends, enjoying the companionship of horses that had each left their own mark on racing history. The stud's staff ensured he received the care and attention befitting a horse of his stature, and visitors often stopped to pay their respects, aware that they were witnessing a living piece of equine heritage.

Mullins recently visited Hurricane Fly to say a final goodbye. He recounted the emotional moment: "I was lucky enough to visit him today just before the end and met Gail (Carlisle, stable lass) who had popped over to see him as well as she'd heard the news. It was very poignant and we were able to say our goodbyes.

It's especially poignant following so shortly after the passing of his co‑owner Frank Boyd and I'm thinking of his family and George Creighton's family too at this time. Hurricane Fly provided us all with so many wonderful days and memories." The owners, the Boyd and Creighton families, released a heartfelt statement expressing their sorrow: "The Boyd and Creighton families are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hurricane Fly. He provided us with so many great days and long‑lasting memories. We would like to thank Willie Mullins, Gail Carlisle, Harold Kirk and all the staff at Closutton, as well as the National Stud who provided him with such a happy retirement." Hurricane Fly's impact extends beyond his race record.

He inspired a generation of trainers, jockeys, and fans, demonstrating that a relatively small horse could dominate the biggest stages with heart and skill. His story is frequently cited in racing documentaries and articles as a testament to the partnership between horse and human, and his name will continue to be spoken with reverence at Cheltenham, Punchestown, and every venue where his victories were celebrated. In the broader context of National Hunt racing, Hurricane Fly's achievements have set a new standard for consistency at the highest level.

Winning two Champion Hurdles and five Irish Champion Hurdles, coupled with a record number of Grade One wins, places him in an elite echelon alongside the sport's all‑time greats. His legacy will be measured not only by trophies but by the inspiration he provided to aspiring owners and trainers who dream of producing a horse capable of such sustained excellence.

As the racing community mourns his loss, tributes pour in from around the world, each highlighting a different facet of his greatness—whether it be his fearless jumping, his blistering turn of foot, or his humble demeanor in retirement. The story of Hurricane Fly reminds us that greatness in sport is fleeting, but the memories it creates endure far beyond a horse’s final breath.

For fans who wish to stay updated on the latest developments in horse racing, including stories like Hurricane Fly’s, Sky Sports Racing continues to provide comprehensive coverage, interviews, and features. The legacy of Hurricane Fly will live on in the annals of the sport, inspiring future generations to chase the same heights he once reached.