R.I.P to our Living Legend Hurricane Fly

From his first days in Kildare to the grand stages of Cheltenham, Leopardstown and Punchestown, Hurricane Fly’s life was one of extraordinary achievement, courage and enduring popularity.

A son of Montjeu, Hurricane Fly was foaled in 2004 and went on to become one of the greatest National Hunt horses of all time. Trained by Willie Mullins and most famously partnered by Ruby Walsh, he amassed a remarkable record that included two Champion Hurdles at Cheltenham, five consecutive Irish Champion Hurdles and a then world-record 22 Grade 1 victories.

What made Hurricane Fly truly special was not just his brilliance on the racecourse, but his fierce determination. Time and again, he found more when challenged, thrilling racing fans with performances that defined an era.

Reflecting on his great champion, Willie Mullins said:

“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.”

“He was awesome, one of the biggest legends ever to come through Closutton.”

Ruby Walsh, who shared so many of Hurricane Fly’s greatest triumphs, described him as:

“Hurricane Fly was a brilliant racehorse but was without doubt the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode. He was incredible, his accuracy, his bravery, the speed at which he could move his feet… He had speed, class, he stayed and was, in my eyes, for a little horse, the perfect horse.”

When his racing days came to an end in 2015, there was only one place fitting for his retirement: the Irish National Stud, where his remarkable journey had begun.

For more than a decade, Hurricane Fly became one of the stars of the Living Legends team. Tens of thousands of visitors from Ireland and around the world visited the little champion with the enormous heart.

Cathal Beale, Chief Executive of the Irish National Stud, said:

“Hurricane Fly wasn’t just one of the greatest racehorses ever to retire to the Irish National Stud, he was one of our most beloved residents. Generations of visitors came specifically to see him, and he never disappointed. His presence, personality and extraordinary achievements made him a true Living Legend. We are privileged to have played a part in both the beginning and the final chapter of his remarkable life.”

Many people cared for Hurricane Fly throughout his life, none more devoted than those closest to him Gail Carlilse at Closutton and Leona Harmon here at the Irish National Stud who were both with him to say their final goodbyes.

The Boyd and Creighton families, who owned Hurricane Fly through the greatest years of his career, also paid tribute:

“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 leaves behind an extraordinary legacy: a dual Champion Hurdle winner, a record-breaker, a fan favourite, and above all, a horse who embodied courage, longevity and greatness.

Fly high, Hurricane Fly. A champion from beginning to end.