Punchestown Festival: Willie Mullins is hoping the lack of recent run does not hinder Hurricane Fly when he lines up in the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown tomorrow. The son of Montjeu is unbeaten in two Grade One outings this season, most recently beating subsequent Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner Go Native by 10 lengths at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Hurricane Fly was forced to miss last month’s Cheltenham Festival after failing to recover from a splint injury but his recent work has given Mullins cause for optimism.
“I’m happy with his work at home and we have done our best to get him right so hopefully he is okay,” said Mullins. “It’s a bit of a disadvantage coming here without a run and some of the other horses have probably had too many runs but hopefully we are better.”
Mullins is double-handed in the Grade One heat with recent Fairyhouse winner Kempes also taking his chance.
“Kempes won well the last day and it will be interesting to see how good he is now,” Mullins added.
Eight runners go to post for the two-mile contest with Noel Meade’s Go Native renewing rivalry with Hurricane Fly.
Meade also saddles Fisher Bridge, while Lucy Wadham’s Aintree winner El Dancer and the Nicky Henderson-trained Riverside Theatre make the journey from England.
Dundrum and Fosters Cross complete the line-up.