A LIFE-SIZE bronze of Hurricane Fly, by renowned artist Siobhan Bulfin the creator of the bronze sculpture of three life-size horses jumping outside HRI, was unveiled at Leopardstown on Friday. This will remain permanently at Leopardstown to honour 'The Fly’s' record at Leopardstown as well as his standing as world record holder of 22 Grade 1 races.

The owners of Hurricane Fly, the Boyd and Creighton families, commissioned the bronze.

Hurricane Fly’s racing career is unparalleled as he holds the world record for the most Grade 1 race wins; he won the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham twice, eight Grade 1 races at Punchestown and another two at Fairyhouse.

He always saved his best performances for Leopardstown, where he was unbeaten in 10 starts at Grade 1 level. He won the Istabraq Hurdle in 2012 and the same race again in 2013 and 2014 when it became the Ryanair Hurdle.

One of Hurricane Fly’s finest achievements was winning five successive BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdles from 2011 to 2015 and Hurricane Fly, himself will visit Leopardstown this Sunday and parade before the feature race, the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at approximately 3.15pm.

A spokesperson for the Boyd and Creighton families said: “We’re delighted to provide a wonderful statue of the champion Hurricane Fly for Leopardstown Racecourse. Year after year ‘The Fly’ gave so many great and thrilling moments - winning in his own way. The affection and support of the Leopardstown racegoers was unique. We are honoured that the ‘people’s champion’ will have a permanent base at Leopardstown and will always be part of the Leopardstown story.”

Siobhan Bulfin commented: “I got a look at him in the Willie Mullins yard and then also when he was at the Irish National Stud.

“He’s enjoying his retirement and has calmed down a lot. He always had a reputation for a firey temperament and taking chunks out of people!

“He’s a very flat looking horse and that wonderful smart, racy head.”