Hurricane Fly has given Irish punters the best possible start to this year's Cheltenham Festival.

The Willie Mullins trained star has regained the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle after a stunning success in the race that he first won in 2011, but had to settle for third place last year.

The 9-year-old produced a magnificant performance - taking the lead with one left to jump to score a two-and-a-half length victory over last year's winner, "Rock on Ruby".

Speaking immediately afterwards to Channel 4, winning trainer Willie Mullins paid tribute to how jockey Ruby Walsh had handled his mount.

It was the second big win of the day for Mullins and Walsh after the pair also teamed-up to land the first race of this year's Festival after "Champagne Fever" claimed a thrilling victory in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

Also this afternoon, "Simonsig" claimed a narrow win in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase while outsider "Golden Chieftain" produced a shock victory in the JLT Handicap Chase.

Hurricane Fly ridden by Ruby Walsh on the way to winning the Stan James Champion Hurdle
Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan