LOSS IS THE BOSS

Ricci enjoys mare's greatest victory following a 'genius' decision by trainer Mullins

- By Melissa Jones

KAR SHOW: Kargese, right, outjumped his rivals in the Arkle

WILLIE MULLINS was hailed a "genius" as Lossiemouth grabbed the Unibet Champion Hurdle cash for big-time banker Rich Ricci.

The trainer and owner had agonised over whether to let the mare – superior to her own sex at the last two Festivals – take on the geldings.

But when Mullins pulled out some cheekpieces from his tack room and added them to Lossiemouth's bridle for a piece of work, the decision was made for them.

In the headgear, the wellbacked 7-5 favourite travelled powerfully and booted clear off the final bend, coming home sixand-a-half lengths in front of Brighterdaysahead (7-2) with The New Lion (3-1) closeup in third.