Trainer Willie Mullins takes the spotlight at the upcoming 2024 Cheltenham Festival, with nearly half of this year's top contenders under his care.
His remarkable grey mare, Lossiemouth, who clinched the Triumph Hurdle title last year, is heavily favoured to secure a victory in the Mares' Hurdle scheduled for Tuesday. Mullins has also entered her in the Champion Hurdle, following the withdrawal of Constitution Hill on Monday, hinting at a potential change in her target.
This five-year-old sensation is on the hunt for her seventh career triumph, aiming for a second Cheltenham Festival win and her third victory at Prestbury Park.
Mullins, a nine-time victor of the Mares' Hurdle, boasts an impressive record in the race, with six wins achieved alongside the remarkable Quevega. While his recent dominance in the event has slightly waned, Lossiemouth is poised to revive that trend and could be a strong addition to the Cheltenham betting portfolio.
Meticulously prepared for the Festival, Lossiemouth arrives at Cheltenham after a single race this season, where she outclassed her competitors in the Unibet Hurdle on Cheltenham Trials day in January. Jockey Paul Townend praised her exceptional performance, highlighting her readiness and class.
Following her breathtaking Triumph Hurdle win last season, she continued her success at Punchestown a month later, with her only setback being a second-place finish at Leopardstown in 2023.
Known for her robust constitution and unwavering soundness, Lossiemouth's trainer attributes these qualities to her triumphs, a stark contrast to the fragility that can hinder many horses in their prime.
As she gears up for the Mares' Hurdle, Lossiemouth faces a minor question mark regarding the extended distance from her previous race, although the Cheltenham course's characteristics should align well with her strengths.
While stablemate Ashroe Diamond poses a credible threat, the likes of Love Envoi could also make their mark, particularly if the conditions lean towards soft ground, where they have previously excelled at Cheltenham.