Trainer Willie Mullins reported the reigning champion hurdler Hurricane Fly to be “ stronger than ever “ ahead of his defence of the StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown next Sunday, 17th November.
Speaking to Punchestown today Willie Mullins said “We had a fantastic summer which meant fantastic grass so Hurricane Fly has come back stronger this year than ever which is extraordinary. Hopefully those looks will carry through to performance”.
Hurricane Fly’s regular partner Ruby Walsh added “Hurricane is in good form. He is a dual champion winner, is very good around Punchestown and has won plenty of races around there so we are looking forward to the race”.
Sunday’s feature, the Grade 1 StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown along with the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham, are new additions to the ‘Road To Cheltenham Series’ and will get proceedings underway. The series takes in six leading trials for the hurdling showpiece and Sunday’s Grade 1 StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle is the sole Irish inclusion.
In addition to top class racing there will be an abundance of family entertainment with free activities for children, up to 60 shopping units in the arts and crafts area and a strong possibility of an early season cameo appearance from Santa Claus.
Dick O’Sullivan, Punchestown General Manager, said “We would like to welcome StanJames.com on board as feature sponsors at the Punchestown Winter Festival and wish them a successful campaign as they make their Irish racing sponsorship debut. In their first year as sponsors of the champion hurdle at Cheltenham Hurricane Fly landed the race so they have a history!”
Looking forward to the race ahead Rory Jiwani of StanJames.com said “ We are really looking forward to seeing Hurricane Fly make his debut on Sunday. We are currently joint best price at 11/2 for Hurricane fly to win his third StanJames Champion Hurdle next March. Surprisingly we haven’t had that much interest in Hurricane Fly despite these attractive odds and I would advise his fans to get on now as that price is sure to shorten if he wins Sunday’s StanJames.com Morgiana Hurdle”.
The Punchestown Winter Festival and Ballymore Fair takes place Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November. The first of eight races on Saturday goes to post at 12noon and the seven race card on Sunday gets underway at 12.35pm. Admission including racing and access to the Ballymore Fair is just €10 for adults, €7 for students and seniors and all children under 14 race for free.
