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Walsh: Fly retirement a ‘really hard call to make’
Hurricane Fly: the best hurdler since Istabraq, says Ruby Walsh
RUBY WALSH said he would have considered keeping Hurricane Fly in training for another season as he paid glowing tribute to the retired hurdling hero.
Hurricane Fly was back in training and looking “a million dollars” when the decision to retire was taken by connections and Walsh revealed he could have been tempted to seek further glory on the 11-year-old.
“It was a decision we knew was coming – but it’s still strange to be talking about Hurricane Fly’s retirement,” Walsh said.
“I stayed out of the process and left it to Willie Mullins and the owners to make the call. If it was up to me it would have been a really hard call to make still.
“The Fly was back in training and still looks a million dollars. But the bold and brave choice had to be made on whether to retire him or go on for another season. But I’m sure when the news sinks in fully, it was the right decision.”
Best since Istabraq
Walsh, who rode Hurricane Fly to 16 of his 22 Grade 1 wins, also described him as the finest hurdler since the legendary Istabraq.
Writing on his Paddy Power blog, the rider said: “Quite simply, Hurricane Fly is the best hurdler I have ever sat on. The only hurdler you can compare him to in my lifetime is Istabraq.
“I’ve been so lucky with horses like Hurricane Fly, Kauto Star and Big Bucks because without them I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve had. Any jockey will tell you that you’re only as good as the horses you ride.”
Walsh added: “It’s fitting that Hurricane Fly retires from racing where he always was on the track – at the top.”
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Adaay (right): seeking first Group 1 success on Saturday
PICTURE: Getty Images
No reservations about Adaay dropping in trip
LAST time out Adaay proved he could handle seven furlongs when winning the Betfred Hungerford Stakes, and trainer William Haggas does not view the drop back in trip for Saturday’s Betfred Sprint Cup as a negative.
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The three-year-old was popular in the market for the Haydock Group 1 on Tuesday, joining Danzeno as 7-1 joint-favourite with the sponsors.
Betfred spokesman Andrew Griffiths said: “Adaay’s Hungerford form gives him a real squeak in the Sprint Cup and the support we’ve seen has been enough to move him into joint-favouritism.”
Gunning for a Group 1
Winner of three of his last four starts, Adaay has progressed nicely, and Haggas said: “There are no reservations about coming back in distance. He’s done us proud, winning two Group 2s, and we’re going for a Group 1. He prefers better ground.”
The going at Haydock remained good on Tuesday after 7mm of rain on Monday, with the track reporting a largely dry forecast from Wednesday onwards.
Dettori for Danzeno
Frankie Dettori will ride Danzeno in the Sprint Cup after trainer Mick Appleby won the race to secure the resurgent rider’s services.
“Frankie will be at Haydock to ride Danzeno,” confirmed Dettori’s agent Ray Cochrane. “He ran a cracker in the July Cup and the trainer thinks he’s an autumn horse so hopefully he’s got the form to win that race.”