Hurricane Fly, the celebrated dual Champion Hurdle winner trained by Willie Mullins, has died at the age of twenty‑two. The son of the great Montjeu carved a place for himself among the modern legends of National Hunt racing, capturing the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle 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 he amassed a record‑breaking twenty‑two Grade One wins, a tally that still stands as a benchmark of excellence in jump racing.
After his final season in 2015, Hurricane Fly was retired to the Irish National Stud, where he now enjoys a peaceful life alongside other celebrated thoroughbreds such as Faugheen, Hardy Eustace and Beef Or Salmon. The stud, renowned for preserving the legacy of Ireland’s most iconic racehorses, provides a tranquil environment that allows former champions to spend their twilight years in comfort and dignity. Willie Mullins, who has overseen some of the most successful jump‑racing operations in recent history, described the former hurdler as “awesome” and “one of the biggest legends” to ever set foot in his Closutton yard.
Mullins highlighted the horse’s unrelenting desire for competition, saying, “He loved a battle and was so brave. He could stand back anywhere on the track and still answer, always putting his rivals into trouble.
He was a proper horse, an absolute legend for our stable.” Ruby Walsh, the jockey who piloted Hurricane Fly to many of his greatest triumphs, offered a similarly glowing tribute. He called the horse “the perfect horse” and emphasized that, in his long career, Hurricane Fly was “the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode.” Walsh praised the gelding’s technical attributes, noting his “incredible accuracy, bravery, and the speed at which he could move his feet.” He added that the horse was “bomb‑proof,” able to approach hurdles as if they were merely markers on the ground, always executing the right stride at the right moment. “He had the engine to go with it, the speed, the class – for a relatively small horse, he was the perfect racehorse,” Walsh said.
The news of Hurricane Fly’s passing was met with an outpouring of emotion from the racing community. Mullins recounted a recent visit to the stud where he was able to say a final goodbye. He recalled meeting Gail Carlisle, the stable hand who had cared for the horse, and described the moment as “very poignant.” The trainer also noted the timing of the loss, coming shortly after the death of co‑owner Frank Boyd, and expressed his thoughts for the families of both Boyd and co‑owner George Creighton. “Hurricane Fly gave us all so many wonderful days and memories,” Mullins said, underscoring the deep personal connections forged over years of shared triumphs.
The Boyd and Creighton families released a statement expressing their profound sadness. They wrote, “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 impressive statistics.
His consistency at the highest level, his willingness to give everything in every race, and his remarkable temperament made him a fan favourite and a benchmark for future hurdlers. Trainers and jockeys often cite his career as a case study in how to manage a top‑class hurdler over multiple seasons, balancing ambition with careful placement to maximize longevity.
His ability to dominate both the British and Irish championship scenes demonstrated a rare versatility that few modern horses have matched. In the broader context of National Hunt history, Hurricane Fly stands alongside other greats such as Istabraq, Big Buck Hunter and the more recent champion, Epatante, yet his record‑breaking tally of Grade One victories sets him apart.
The horse’s impact also resonates in breeding discussions; while a gelding and therefore unable to pass on his genes, his pedigree—being a son of Montjeu—continues to be studied for insights into the attributes that produce elite jumpers. Fans of the sport will remember his thrilling finishes, his uncanny ability to accelerate out of a hurdle and his unflappable composure under pressure. Whether it was a narrow victory at Cheltenham or a dominant display at Leopardstown, Hurricane Fly consistently displayed the qualities that define a true champion: speed, stamina, intelligence, and an indomitable will to win. As the racing world reflects on his passing, tributes continue to pour in from journalists, fellow trainers, and racing enthusiasts worldwide.
Sky Sports Racing, among other outlets, has dedicated extensive coverage to his life and career, ensuring that new generations of fans can appreciate the magnitude of his achievements. The story of Hurricane Fly serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of athletic greatness, but also of the lasting imprint a remarkable athlete can leave on a sport and its community. In summary, Hurricane Fly’s death marks the end of an era for jump racing. His record, his personality, and the affection he inspired will endure in the annals of the sport.
The horse’s retirement to the Irish National Stud, the heartfelt farewells from his trainer, jockey, and owners, and the widespread admiration from fans all testify to a life well‑lived, both on and off the racecourse.