Hurricane Fly has maintained his unbeaten record at Leopardstown to down Jezki in the Ryanair Hurdle and extend his world record of Grade One wins to 21.

Many felt Willie Mullins' incredible hurdler was destined for an honourable retirement after he was left trailing in Jezki's wake at Cheltenham and Punchestown last spring, but he has returned this term seemingly with a point to prove.

After turning the tables on the Champion Hurdle winner in last month's Morgiana Hurdle, Hurricane Fly was the 5-6 favourite to score his ninth Leopardstown win.

He and Jezki jumped the final flight together but it was Hurricane Fly who dug deepest to to claim victory by half a length.

"I think he's the best anyone has ever trained over jumps. I'll never have another horse like him. He's unique," Mullins said.

"There is a fantastic atmosphere here and it was a fantastic race just to watch.

"When he got over the last he put his ears back and no horse I've ever seen can battle like him."

Although stablemate Faugheen is the early favourite for Champion Hurdle in March, Mullins rates Hurricane Fly on top.

"To me, he's our top Champion Hurdle horse - he has the ratings," he said.

"Faugheen looks the one coming up, but he's (Hurricane Fly) doing it.

"Faugheen is seven from seven but he has a long way to go."

Mullins said Hurricane Fly was likely to bid for a remarkable fifth victory in the Irish Champion Hurdle back at Leopardstown on January 25.

The score now stands at four-two in favour of Hurricane Fly in the battles with Jezki.