Mullins Takes Easier Option

Lossiemouth will bypass a showdown with Constitution Hill and Brighterdaysahead in tomorrow's Unibet Champion Hurdle after connections opted to declare her for the Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle on the same day.

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Already a dual Cheltenham Festival winner having won last year's Mares' Hurdle and the Triumph Hurdle in 2023, Lossiemouth has been on the Champion Hurdle trail for the majority of the season but a late switch to the Mares' Hurdle had been mooted by connections in recent days.

A heavy fall in the Irish Champion Hurdle in February was not the preparation trainer Willie Mullins and owners Rich and Susannah Ricci had been hoping for, and a decision was made yesterday morning to defend Lossiemouth's Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle crown.

Her absence means a field of seven will go to post for the Champion Hurdle, with last year's winner State Man declared in first-time cheekpieces and connections of Golden Ace bypassing the Mares' Hurdle in favour of the Champion.

As well as favourite Constitution Hill and star mare Brighterdaysahead, Burdett Road, King Of Kingsfield and Winter Fog will contest the highlight on day one of the festival.

Lossiemouth is odds on to make it back-to-back wins in the Mares' Hurdle, with her Willie Mullins-trained stablemate Jade De Grugy next best in the market among a final field of 11.