Star-mare Lossiemouth made it four-from-four at the Cheltenham Festival after winning a belated Champion Hurdle.
The Champion Hurdle picture changed complexion on numerous occasions throughout the season. Last years elect winner State Man was ruled out for the season early on. Sir Gino picked up another injury on Trials Day, and Constitution Hill retired from a hurdling career. Lossiemouth’s participation was only decided last week, having worked sharply in cheek-pieces.
The Great Pretender mare was well backed to land a sixth Champion Hurdle for Willie Mullins, duly obliging in a facile manner. Lossiemouth reversed the form with Brighterdaysahead, who lacked the gear of the winner up the straight. 2025 Turners winner The New Lion travelled strongly into contention, but was seemingly found out over two-miles at this level.
“To win the Champion Hurdle definitely outranks everything else she’s done” – Willie Mullins
Speaking to the Press Association after the race, via Racing TV, Mullins noted how the first-time cheekpieces were key: “She has that mare’s pedigree which gives her that bit of speed. The cheekpieces, I think, made a huge difference” remarked Mullins.
“It made her concentrate that bit more. As horses get older they probably, like the rest of us, start looking for ways out of doing hard work. This really invigorated her.
“When I saw her working in them the other morning and when she pulled up, Paul pulled up. I spoke to him and we both had the same feeling that this was the way to go. And then the race looked so open we thought, well, why not, let’s go for it.”
“To win the Champion Hurdle definitely outranks everything else she’s done. To come back here four years in a row is an achievement in itself. But then to win four years is, she’s gone Triumph, Mares’ twice and then this and it’s been superb.”
“She just comes alive at this track” – Rich Ricci
Owner Rich Ricci was visibly emotional after the race as he spoke about his star mare.”It’s unbelievable, magic, great” remarked Ricci. “It’s 10 years since Annie Power won. It’s hard to win these races and she always tries and all credit goes to Willie.
“She’s always just come alive at this track. When she gets down that hill she comes on the bridle. She loves this place. It was a long night last night, but it’s brilliant, it’s fantastic and it’s great. The reception we got was great. People are so kind, it’s wonderful and it’s great for the sport, I think.”
Ricci is hungry for more success this week as he stated “I’d love to win the Gold Cup now, hopefully we can do the double on Friday!” as Gaelic Warrior looks set to jump off as favourite.