Irish raider Hurricane Fly became only the second horse to regain his Champion Hurdle crown when he prevailed on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The 2011 winner – who joins Comedy of Errors in 1973/75 in reclaiming his title – was never travelling well but battled throughout and once jockey Ruby Walsh sent him to the front on the final bend he was never challenged.
The Willie Mullins-trained 13-8 favourite came home clear of last year’s champion Rock On Ruby, who had set a searing pace until being passed by the winner, while 16-1 outsider Countrywide Flame was third.
Hurricane Fly formed the middle part of a treble on Tuesday for trainer and jockey.
Walsh, who had earlier combined with Mullins to win the opener with the appropriately named Champagne Fever, said his supreme confidence in the winner had faded once the race got underway.
“This is brilliant as my confidence in the past three weeks evaporated once we got started,” Walsh said.
“However, he showed unbelievable courage. He has a big heart and is tough as nails.
“I’m glad he came back and showed he was a true champion.”
Mullins was delighted but added that he had been at the wrong end of one of his star’s worst traits when he fed him in the morning.
“His favourite characteristics are ‘fighting and biting’ and I got his full attention this morning in the latter respect when I bent down to fetch up some water for him,” he said.
“I will only be able to use one side of the bar stool tonight!”
Mullins and Walsh were back in the winners enclosure half an hour later as the remarkable mare Quevega made it five wins from five visits to the Festival with a courageous victory in the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle.
The nine-year-old, who had not been seen on a racetrack for almost a year, was only ninth on the final bend having been blocked at the top of the hill, but cruised through to challenge for the lead at the final hurdle.
Long-time French-trained leader Sirene d’Ainay (33-1) was unable to repel the challenge and Walsh eased her home to even louder cheers from the massed ranks of Irish spectators.
Sirene d’Ainay held on for a surprise but deserved second place.
“She nearly came down coming down the hill, and I was almost thrown over her neck,” said Walsh.
“However, the way she recovered and came through is a testament to her ability. She is a genius.”
Mullins said it was the flight of fantasy to be associated with such a mare.
“I grew up reading about great horses such as Golden Miller (who won five successive Cheltenham Gold Cups 1932-36) but I never thought I would have one who would win five times at Cheltenham.
“To be associated with a five-time winner is a privilege,” added the 56-year-old Irishman.
