Willie Mullins is hoping that he can keep Hurricane Fly fit ahead of a possible trip to the 2011 Cheltenham Festival.

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The devilishly talented six-year-old has won six of his eight starts for the champion trainer, but his tendency to pick up injuries has meant he has been forced to miss a trip to Prestbury Park in the last two seasons.

A sensational victory at Punchestown in April proved the horse was as good as ever and Millins is hoping for an exciting campaign with the star.

"Paul (Townend) produced him nicely at Punchestown, I thought he was beaten 50 yards from the line but the horse put his head down and said he wasn't going to be beaten," said the trainer.

"I love a horse like that with plenty of guts and he has ability as well, so hopefully we can keep him right for Cheltenham this year.

"Our main aim will be to get him towards Cheltenham as he's missed the boat the last two years.

"I don't think a heavy schedule is any good to him and I haven't sat down and thought about where he'd start yet.

"I'd imagine the race at Punchestown he ran in last November might be an idea."