Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle victor trained by Willie Mullins, has died at the age of 22. The Montjeu‑sired gelding carved his name into modern National Hunt lore, capturing the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham twice—in 2011 and again in 2013—and dominating the Irish Champion Hurdle with five consecutive wins from 2011 through 2015.

In total, he amassed an unprecedented 22 Grade One victories, a record that still stands as a benchmark of excellence in jump racing. His career spanned nine seasons, a period during which he consistently demonstrated the rare combination of speed, stamina, and an unflinching willingness to battle at the front of the field. After his final race in 2015, the decision was made to retire the champion to the Irish National Stud, where he could enjoy a peaceful life among other legendary equine athletes such as Faugheen, Hardy Eustace, and Beef Or Salmon.

The stud provided a tranquil environment that allowed him to mingle with his peers and receive the care befitting a horse of his stature. Willie Mullins, the trainer who guided Hurricane Fly to greatness, described the horse as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to ever step foot in his Closutton yard. Mullins highlighted the horse's relentless desire for a contest, noting that Hurricane Fly thrived on the challenge of a hard‑fought race. "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." Ruby Walsh, the jockey who rode Hurricane Fly to many of his most memorable victories, was equally effusive. Walsh called the gelding "the perfect horse" and asserted that he was the best jumper over hurdles he ever rode.

"Hurricane Fly was a brilliant racehorse but was without doubt the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode," Walsh said. He praised the horse's precision and fearlessness: "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, Hurricane Fly left an indelible impression on everyone who worked with him.

Mullins recounted a recent visit to the stud where he was able to say a final goodbye. "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," Mullins said.

He also reflected on the timing of the loss, which came shortly after the death of co‑owner Frank Boyd. "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," he added. The Boyd and Creighton families issued a heartfelt 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 own achievements.

His success helped raise the profile of Irish jump racing on the international stage, inspiring a new generation of trainers, owners, and fans. The consistency of his performances—especially his five‑year streak in the Irish Champion Hurdle—set a standard for durability and class that few horses have matched.

Moreover, his partnership with Ruby Walsh became one of the most celebrated jockey‑horse relationships in recent memory, illustrating how mutual respect and understanding can translate into extraordinary results on the racecourse. In the broader context of National Hunt history, Hurricane Fly's record of 22 Grade One wins places him alongside the all‑time greats such as Kauto Star and Istabraq, yet his story is uniquely his own.

He was not only a champion on the track but also a beloved figure off it, known for his gentle temperament in retirement and his willingness to engage with visitors at the stud. His passing marks the end of an era, but the memories he created—whether it was the thrilling finish at Cheltenham in 2011, the dominant display in the 2013 Champion Hurdle, or the sheer dominance over five consecutive Irish Champion Hurdles—will continue to be recounted by racing enthusiasts for years to come.

Fans worldwide have taken to social media to share their tributes, recalling personal moments of awe when they first saw Hurricane Fly in action. Many highlight his uncanny ability to accelerate out of a tight corner or his composure when faced with a challenging hurdle. These anecdotes underscore the profound connection between the horse and the public, a bond that transcended the typical spectator‑athlete relationship. As the racing community mourns, it also celebrates a life well‑lived.

Hurricane Fly's story is a testament to the power of careful breeding, expert training, and the dedication of the people who surrounded him. His impact will be felt not only in the record books but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege to watch him race, work with him daily, and eventually share his retirement years in peace. The legacy of Hurricane Fly will endure through the countless races he won, the stories told by his connections, and the inspiration he provides to future generations of horses and humans alike.

May his memory continue to gallop across the fields of racing history, forever a symbol of excellence, bravery, and the timeless spirit of the sport.