Hurricane Fly has claimed an extraordinary 18th Grade One victory by defending his title in a star-studded Ryanair Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained nine-year-old (11-10 fav) expertly lowered the colours of Our Conor and Jezki, two of Ireland's leading hurdlers, with another ruthless display under Ruby Walsh.

Hurricane Fly has been roundly cut in markets for the Champion Hurdle - a race he regained so convincingly in the spring - at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Hurricane Fly, who did not impress many when victorious in Punchestown's Morgiana Hurdle on his seasonal return, was at the back of the field for most of the journey before he stormed into contention late in the piece.

Mullins' ace jumped the last a fraction behind Our Conor, who along with Captain Cee Bee had earlier squeezed Jezki for room approaching the final flight.

Hurricane Fly was hardly knocked off his stride, though, and maintained his momentum to ease clear for another landmark success.

"He'll be back here at the end of January (Irish Champion Hurdle) and then it will be Cheltenham. He's coming along and is going to improve again.

"He's a fantastic horse and a horse of a generation."