11/4 favourite Hurricane Fly narrowly edged out Peddler’s Cross to give jockey Ruby Walsh and trainer Willie Mullins their first win in the Stan James Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The two horses were neck and neck until the final flight, but Hurricane Fly edged ahead at the finish to seal a win which delighted the vast Irish contingent present at Prestbury Park.
9/2 shot Peddlers Cross finished a length and a half back in second, while Oscar Whisky finished five lengths back in third place.
Speaking after the race, Walsh, who only recently returned to the saddle after five months out with a serious injury said: “He never settled really and ran keen, but we know he has the speed and class.
“He’s shown the ability that myself, Willie Mullins and Paul Townend always believed he had. He’s a deserved champion and a right little horse.
“He’s only small but he has a big heart and he needed it today. I probably got there a fraction too soon, but he never gave me a chance early doors.”
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