Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle victor trained by Willie Mullins, has died at the age of 22. The son of the illustrious Montjeu cemented his place among the modern greats of National Hunt racing, capturing the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle in 2011 and again in 2013, and dominating the Irish Champion Hurdle with five consecutive wins between 2011 and 2015. His record is staggering: a total of 22 Grade One victories, a tally that still stands as a benchmark for excellence in the sport. Born into a distinguished bloodline, Hurricane Fly’s early promise was evident, but it was under Mullins’ careful guidance that his talent blossomed into a legendary career.
Over nine seasons, he proved himself a relentless competitor, thriving on the challenge of the toughest hurdles and consistently out‑classing his rivals. His versatility and tenacity allowed him to excel not only in the marquee festivals at Cheltenham but also on the Irish circuit, where his five‑year reign in the Irish Champion Hurdle turned him into a household name for racing fans across both islands.
When he finally retired in 2015, Hurricane Fly transitioned to a peaceful life at the Irish National Stud, joining a roster of other equine icons such as Faugheen, Hardy Eustace, and Beef Or Salmon. The stud provided a tranquil environment where the former champion could enjoy his golden years surrounded by peers who shared his storied past. Mullins, reflecting on the horse’s impact, described him as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to ever grace the Closutton yard.
Ruby Walsh, the jockey who piloted Hurricane Fly to many of his triumphs, called him "the perfect horse" and praised him as the finest hurdler he ever rode. Mullins told Sporting Life, "He won a record‑breaking 22 Grade One races, which was remarkable.
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 added his own heartfelt tribute: "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 bombproof; 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 and accolades, those who worked with Hurricane Fly often spoke of his personality. He possessed a calm confidence that allowed him to handle the pressure of big‑stage races without wavering.
Whether faced with a steep hill or a tightly packed field, he displayed an innate ability to find the optimal line and maintain his rhythm, qualities that made him a favorite among trainers, jockeys, and fans alike. In the weeks following his passing, Mullins visited the retired champion at the stud to say a final goodbye. He recalled the emotional moment: "I was lucky enough to visit him today just before the end and met Gail Carlisle, who had popped over to see him as well after hearing 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, issued a statement expressing their deep 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 legacy extends beyond his record‑breaking tally.
He helped elevate the profile of hurdle racing, inspiring a new generation of owners, trainers, and young fans to appreciate the sport's blend of speed, stamina, and tactical skill. His performances are still replayed on racing channels, and his name appears in discussions about the all‑time greats whenever a new champion emerges. The racing community continues to honor his memory through tributes, articles, and social media posts that celebrate his achievements and the joy he brought to countless spectators. As the sport moves forward, Hurricane Fly remains a benchmark for excellence—a reminder that a combination of pedigree, training, and heart can produce a horse capable of redefining what is possible on the racecourse.
For those who followed his career, the loss is felt deeply, but the stories of his daring finishes, his effortless hurdling, and his unwavering spirit will endure. In the annals of National Hunt history, Hurricane Fly's name will forever be listed alongside the legends, a testament to a horse that truly lived up to the hype and left an indelible mark on the world of horse racing.