Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle victor trained by Willie Mullins, has died at the age of twenty‑two. The son of the great Montjeu cemented his place among the modern greats of National Hunt racing, capturing Cheltenham’s Champion Hurdle in both 2011 and 2013 and dominating the Irish Champion Hurdle with five consecutive wins from 2011 through 2015.
Over the course of a nine‑year career, Hurricane Fly amassed a record‑breaking twenty‑two Grade One victories, a tally that still stands as a benchmark for excellence in jump racing. After retiring in 2015, the bay gelding was relocated to the Irish National Stud, where he shared his retirement years with fellow legends such as Faugheen, Hardy Eustace and Beef Or Salmon, enjoying a peaceful life away from the pressures of the track. Willie Mullins, who oversaw the horse’s training at the Closutton yard, described Hurricane Fly as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to ever pass through his stable.
Regular jockey Ruby Walsh, who piloted the horse to many of his triumphs, called him "the perfect horse" and praised him as the finest hurdle jumper 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 echoed those sentiments, recalling the horse’s uncanny blend of speed, precision and courage.
"Hurricane Fly was a brilliant racehorse but was without doubt the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode," he said. "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." The news of his death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the racing community.
Mullins visited the stud shortly before the horse’s passing, meeting stable staff and offering a final farewell. "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," Mullins said.
He added that the loss was especially heartbreaking given the recent death of co‑owner Frank Boyd. "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," Mullins reflected. The Boyd and Creighton families released 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," the statement read.
"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 statistics. His ability to dominate both the British and Irish hurdling circuits, his consistency across multiple seasons, and his sheer will to battle made him a fan favourite and a benchmark for future generations.
Trainers and jockeys still study his racing style—an elegant, forward‑leaning stride combined with a fearless approach to obstacles—to understand what set him apart. His influence can be seen in the training methods employed at Closutton today, where young hurdlers are encouraged to emulate his bravery and tactical intelligence.
Beyond the track, Hurricane Fly’s story highlights the importance of after‑care for racehorses. The Irish National Stud’s role in providing a comfortable, dignified retirement environment demonstrates a growing commitment within the industry to ensure that champions enjoy a quality life after competition. Fans who followed his career from his early days as a promising three‑year‑old to his final retirement years can take solace in knowing that he spent his last moments surrounded by fellow equine legends and devoted caretakers. As the racing world mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, the memory of Hurricane Fly’s thunderous finishes, his relentless drive, and his unshakeable spirit will continue to inspire.
Whether recalled through archival footage of his 2011 and 2013 Champion Hurdle victories, the roar of the crowd at Punchestown during his Irish Champion Hurdle streak, or the quiet reverence of his retirement paddock, Hurricane Fly remains an enduring symbol of excellence in National Hunt racing. For the latest horse racing news, interviews, and in‑depth features, stay tuned to Sky Sports Racing and other dedicated outlets that continue to celebrate the sport’s rich history and its unforgettable heroes.