Hurricane Fly, the Willie Mullins-trained dual Champion Hurdle winner, has died at the age of 22. The son of Montjeu won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2011 and 2013 and the Irish Champion Hurdle five times between 2011 and 2015. In total he won a record-breaking 22 Grade One races. He was retired in 2015 after a nine-year career and spent his days at the Irish National Stud alongside Faugheen, Hardy Eustace and Beef Or Salmon.

Mullins described the superstar hurdler as "awesome" and "one of the biggest legends" to pass through his Closutton yard. Regular jockey Ruby Walsh labelled him "the perfect horse" and the best jumper of a hurdle he ever rode. 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."

Walsh said: "Hurricane Fly was a brilliant racehorse but was without doubt the best jumper of a hurdle I ever rode. He was bombproof, you could ride him down to hurdles like they weren't there. He had speed, class, he stayed and was in my eyes, for a little horse, the perfect horse."

Mullins visited him before the end and said his goodbyes. The owners issued a statement thanking Willie Mullins, Gail Carlisle, Harold Kirk and all staff at Closutton, and the National Stud for his happy retirement.