Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle winner trained by Willie Mullins, has died at the age of 22. The Montjeu‑sired gelding secured his place among the modern greats of National Hunt racing, capturing the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham twice—in 2011 and again in 2013—and dominating the Irish Champion Hurdle with five consecutive victories from 2011 through 2015.
Over the course of a nine‑year career, Hurricane Fly amassed an unprecedented 22 Grade One wins, a record that still stands as a benchmark of excellence in the sport. After his final season in 2015, the illustrious hurdler was retired to the Irish National Stud, where he joined an elite roster of former champions that includes Faugheen, Hardy Eustace, and Beef Or Salmon. In retirement, he lived out his days surrounded by fellow equine legends, enjoying the peace of the stud farm after years of intense competition. Willie Mullins, the trainer who guided Hurricane Fly to his historic achievements, described the horse as “awesome” and one of the “biggest legends” to ever pass through his Closutton yard.
Mullins emphasized the horse’s fighting spirit, noting that Hurricane Fly “loved a battle” and always displayed remarkable bravery on the track. He recalled how the gelding’s willingness to engage his rivals made every race a thrilling contest, adding, “He was a proper horse, a true champion, and his record‑breaking 22 Grade One victories were simply remarkable.” Ruby Walsh, the jockey who rode Hurricane Fly in many of his most memorable outings, echoed the trainer’s admiration. Walsh called the horse “the perfect horse” and said he was “the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode.” He praised Hurricane Fly’s technical attributes, stating, “He had incredible accuracy, bravery, and the speed to move his feet with astonishing quickness. He was bombproof—when you rode him to a hurdle, you could trust he would do the right thing every time.” Walsh also highlighted the gelding’s combination of speed, stamina, and class, noting that for a relatively small horse, Hurricane Fly embodied the ideal racehorse.
The news of Hurricane Fly’s passing prompted heartfelt tributes from the racing community. Mullins visited the stud shortly before the gelding’s death, meeting with stable staff and offering his final goodbyes.
He reflected on the timing, saying it was especially poignant given the recent loss of co‑owner Frank Boyd. Mullins expressed sympathy for both the Boyd and Creighton families, acknowledging the profound impact Hurricane Fly had on their lives: “He provided us all with so many wonderful days and memories.” The owners, the Boyd and Creighton families, issued a joint statement expressing their deep sorrow. They wrote, “The Boyd and Creighton families are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hurricane Fly. He gave us countless great days and lasting memories.” They also extended gratitude to Willie Mullins, his team—including Gail Carlisle and Harold Kirk—and the staff at Closutton, as well as the Irish National Stud for providing a happy retirement for the champion.
Hurricane Fly’s legacy extends beyond his impressive statistics. His consistency at the highest level, his ability to dominate both the Cheltenham Festival and the Irish racing calendar, and his reputation as a fearless, intelligent jumper have made him a benchmark for future generations of hurdlers. Fans and professionals alike remember his distinctive racing style: a swift, decisive stride to the hurdle followed by a powerful, clean clearance that left competitors scrambling to keep pace. In the broader context of National Hunt history, Hurricane Fly’s record of 22 Grade One victories places him alongside the sport’s most legendary figures.
While other greats have amassed numerous top‑level wins, few have matched his combination of longevity, versatility, and sheer dominance across both British and Irish circuits. His success helped elevate the profile of Irish hurdling on the international stage, inspiring owners, trainers, and jockeys to aim for similar heights. The racing world continues to honor his memory through stories, interviews, and features that celebrate his achievements. Sky Sports Racing, among other outlets, has highlighted his career in retrospective pieces, ensuring that new fans can appreciate the magnitude of his contributions to the sport.
As the community reflects on his passing, the consensus remains clear: Hurricane Fly was not just a champion; he was an emblem of excellence, courage, and the enduring spirit of National Hunt racing. His retirement years at the Irish National Stud also served as a reminder of the importance of caring for equine athletes after their competitive days are over. By providing a comfortable environment alongside other celebrated horses, the stud underscored the industry's commitment to the welfare of its stars. Hurricane Fly’s peaceful final chapter stands as a testament to that dedication.
In sum, the loss of Hurricane Fly marks the end of an era for a horse whose name will forever be synonymous with hurdling greatness. His 22 Grade One triumphs, two Cheltenham Champion Hurdle victories, and five Irish Champion Hurdle titles remain a benchmark for excellence, and his spirit will continue to inspire trainers, jockeys, and racing enthusiasts for years to come.