Hurricane Fly, a dual Champion Hurdle hero for Willie Mullins, has died at the age of 22 at the Irish National Stud.By Montjeu, he won Cheltenham's Champion Hurdle in 2011 and 2013, as well as the Irish Champion Hurdle from 2011-2015. At then end of his career, he had earned a record-breaking 22 Grade 1 wins and was retired in 2015 to live out his days at the Irish National Stud.“He won a record-breaking 22 Grade 1 races, which was remarkable,” Mullins told www.sportinglife.com. “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.“Ruby [Walsh] was able to stand back anywhere on him and he'd answer. He just put his rivals into trouble. He was such a proper horse. He was awesome, one of the biggest legends ever to come through Closutton.”Walsh added, “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 was bombproof, you could ride him down to hurdles like they weren't there because he was going to do the right thing every time.“He had the engine to go with it. He had speed, class, he stayed and was in my eyes, for a little horse, the perfect horse.”Added Mullins, who paid a visit to Hurricane Fly just prior to his death, said, “I was lucky enough to visit him today just before the end and met Gail [Carlisle, stable lass] who had popped over to see him as well as she'd heard the news. It was very poignant and we were able to say our goodbyes.“It's especially poignant following so shortly after the passing of his co-owner Frank Boyd and I'm thinking of his family and George Creighton's family too at this time. Hurricane Fly provided us all with so many wonderful days and memories.”Hurricane Fly's owners issued a statement which read: “The Boyd and Creighton families are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Hurricane Fly. 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.”The post Dual Champion Hurdle Hero Hurricane Fly Dies At 22 appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.