Published Tuesday, 15 March 2011
The two principals fought a mighty duel from just before the final flight, with the 11-4 favourite digging deep up the hill to take the spoils for Ireland.
Peddlers Cross was a gallant length and a quarter back in second for Donald McCain, with the Nicky Henderson-trained Oscar Whisky five lengths away third.
Walsh said: "He never settled really and ran keen, but we know he has the speed and class. He's shown the ability myself, Willie Mullins and Paul Townend always believed he had. He's a deserved champion and a right little horse.
"He's only small but he has a big heart and he needed it. I probably got there a fraction too soon, but he never gave me a chance early doors."
Rather than exuding confidence beforehand, Mullins was just relieved to get Hurricane Fly to Cheltenham after missing the previous two Festivals following setbacks.
The trainer said: "We had no excuses, everything had gone right the whole year. It was just great to get here and the relief even when he left the parade ring was enormous.
"I just didn't want something stupid to happen coming here, a kick or a cough. He's got speed, stamina and he jumps. Today was the day. I am just delighted he got the chance to show what he can do.
"I didn't give Ruby any instructions, I said you know what to do so just do it. There's no better man to leave it to."
Trained in County Carlow, Hurricane Fly was bought by a partnership from Northern Ireland in 2008.
George Creighton from Belfast and Rose Boyd from Crossgar are the proud owners of the new Champion.
George's grandson, Lewis, told UTV: "I found it hard to breathe there for 24 hours but now I can relax. Everyone's ecstatic and overwhelmed.
"I was quietly confident but I wouldn't say he was my bank or anything. I wouldn't want to jinx him.
"Ruby did a great job."