Lossiemouth emerged as the clear victor of the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. The highly skilled five-year-old grey, under the guidance of trainer Willie Mullins and the colours of Rich Ricci, showed exceptional form. Jockey Paul Townend expertly steered the 8-13 favourite through the field of 11 competitors without encountering any worrisome moments.
Townend displayed a composed approach, biding his time as other horses set the pace before effortlessly making their way up the hill to a decisive victory over Telmesomethinggirl. This mare had garnered attention as a potential Champion Hurdle contender following an impressive triumph on Trials day in January.
Mullins expressed confidence in Lossiemouth's abilities, hinting at future successes as she matures. Opting not to enter the Champion Hurdle this year proved to be a wise decision, ensuring the young mare did not face unnecessary challenges. The atmosphere was electric as Lossiemouth surged towards victory, prompting even Mullins to join in the jubilation.
Looking ahead, Mullins hinted at a potential appearance at Punchestown for a mares' race, with further decisions to be made in consultation with Ricci. The triumphant day marked by Lossiemouth's win brought great satisfaction to the team, setting a positive tone for the remainder of the festival.
Ricci praised Townend for executing the race strategy perfectly, positioning Lossiemouth for success throughout the event. The plan to target the Champion Hurdle next year reflects a shared optimism for the mare's future prospects. Despite encountering difficulties in the past, Lossiemouth's unbeaten streak showcases her remarkable talent and Ricci's delight in owning such a remarkable horse.
Reflecting on the day's events, Henry de Bromhead commended all his mares for their commendable performances, each boasting strong breeding pedigrees. While expressing admiration for Telmesomethinggirl's performance, de Bromhead acknowledged Lossiemouth's superior skill. Hispanic Moon and Langtry Lady also received praise, with the latter showing promise for future endeavours despite a challenging start.