Hurricane Fly showed he still reigned supreme with a brilliant victory on his belated seasonal return in the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained gelding enjoyed a superb campaign last season with five Grade One triumphs.

He had not run since May as Mullins delayed his return as he felt the horse was not 100 per cent.

However, Hurricane Fly had been pleasing the champion trainer in recent weeks and he transferred that to the track as he demolished his four rivals.

The eight-year-old cruised past his pacesetting stable companion Thousand Stars before the final flight under a confident ride from Ruby Walsh.

The 4-5 shot romped home by 6-1/2 lengths from Oscars Well who managed to grab second place from Thousand Stars.

The disappointing Unaccompanied could only finish a distant fourth.

“He completely surprised me. It must be as good a performance as he’s ever produced,” Mullins said.

“Ruby said he wasn’t travelling in the ground early on but once he put him in the race three out, he came alive.

“I was a bit anxious about the ground and he was very quiet beforehand but maybe he’s just maturing.

“Normally it takes two lads to lead him as he can be a bit tight.

“I was surprised how fit he appeared. We’ll keep a lid on him between now and Cheltenham.”

Hurricane Fly is now 5-6 (from 7-4) with sponsors Stan James for the Champion Hurdle.

“Willie Mullins said Hurricane Fly will come on for this run so as long as he makes it to the Festival in one piece, there won’t be a horse to challenge him on the day,” a spokesman for the bookmaker said.