Ruby Walsh on Hurricane Fly (L) jumps the last fence to go on and win the Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy during the Cheltenham Festival horse racing meet in Gloucestershire, western England, Tuesday. — Reuters LONDON — Ireland's Hurricane Fly regained his Champion Hurdle crown at the expense of last year's winner Rock On Ruby on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival Tuesday. The horse, ridden by Ruby Walsh for trainer Willie Mullins, took the lead rounding the home turn and comfortably repelled the challengers up the home straight. The 2011 winner, third last year, had two-and-a-half lengths to spare at the line with Rock On Ruby second and Countrywide Flame third. “He's a cracking little horse. He showed another side to him today and that was guts,” Walsh told BBC Radio 5 live. “It's great to win on such a good horse and he deserves to be a dual winner in the Champion Hurdle because horses like him are hard to find. “I was in front a good two furlongs too soon. He pinged the last and I'm glad he got it back to show everyone he's a true champion hurdler,” he added. “Last year was so disappointing, but since he came back this year he has been much heavier and stronger,” said trainer Mullins. “Every gallop he's had, every race he's had, he's bounced back and taken it all in his stride. “I was a bit worried at halfway. They'd gone such a pace and Ruby must have known that, too,” Mullins added. “Ruby just stayed where the horse was comfortable. He's the champion hurdler again now.” Walsh and Mullins were also successful with Champagne Fever in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, the first race of the four-day meeting which brings together the cream of jumps racing. The track passed an early morning inspection after freezing overnight temperatures threatened to disrupt the card. All eyes Wednesday will be on Sprinter Sacre who will start hot favorite to land the Queen Mother Champion Chase after some brilliant displays after switching from hurdles to fences. — Agencies
