WILLIE MULLINS finally made his decision on where Lossiemouth will run – declaring her for the Mares’ Hurdle in a trademark late switcheroo.
Owner Rich Ricci told Sun Racing’s Cheltenham Festival Preview in association with Tote that she had been ‘campaigned as a Champion Hurdle horse but it hadn’t worked out’.
Lossiemouth was well beaten by Constitution Hill at Kempton on Boxing Day and suffered a devastating fall vs State Man when last seen at the Dublin Racing Festival.
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Her price had fluctuated massively over the past few days as punters tried to guess which way the legendary trainer would go.
But the decision was finally made on Sunday morning as the declarations for the first day at Cheltenham were made.
And Paul Townend will ride Lossiemouth in the Mares’ Hurdle, where she will aim to defend the race she won 12 months ago.
Her task will arguably be made easier after Jeremy Scott made a last-minute call to declared Golden Ace for the Champion Hurdle.
Golden Ace beat Brighterdaysahead in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle last year – and the pair will meet again in the day one feature alongside Constitution Hill and State Man.
Mullins also confirmed Gala Marceau and Jade De Grugy for the Mares’ Hurdle, with Brian Hayes and Danny Mullins riding them respectively.
Kargese was not declared for the Mares’ Hurdle, which indicates she is likely to go for the County Hurdle on Friday.
More to follow.
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