In a stunning display of equine excellence, the grey mare Lossiemouth has etched her name into the history books of the Cheltenham Festival. Trained by the legendary Willie Mullins and expertly ridden by stable jockey Paul Townend, she secured a commanding victory in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, marking her fourth consecutive win at the prestigious event.
A Festival Specialist's Unbeaten Run
Lossiemouth arrived at Cheltenham with an impeccable record, having never been defeated at the festival. Her previous triumphs include the Triumph Hurdle in 2023 and back-to-back victories in the Mares' Hurdle in the following years. Connections had initially considered aiming for a Mares' Hurdle hat-trick, but a late decision over the weekend shifted their focus to the Champion Hurdle, a move that paid off spectacularly.
Dominant Performance on the Track
Fitted with first-time cheekpieces, Lossiemouth was one of three runners from the Mullins stable and the chosen mount for Paul Townend. She never appeared in any trouble throughout the race, showcasing her superior jumping and speed. She crossed the finish line a clear six-and-a-half lengths ahead of Brighterdaysahead, with The New Lion taking third place.
This victory held particular significance for Townend, who had experienced heartbreak in the same race just a year earlier. In 2025, he seemed poised for victory on State Man, only for that horse to fall dramatically at the last hurdle, handing the win to Golden Ace. Reflecting on Lossiemouth's performance, Townend said, "Lossiemouth deserves it. She travelled much better, sweeter and kinder today. She tries so hard that you know very early in the race whether she's going or not."
Trainer's Praise for a Star Mare
Willie Mullins was effusive in his praise for Lossiemouth, highlighting her unique achievements. "She's a star mare to come back four years on the trot, never mind win. That puts her in a league of her own. She's nearly getting into Quevega territory," he remarked, referencing another of his champion mares.
Mullins noted that the decision to equip her with cheekpieces had revitalised her form, saying, "It was an open race, and when I put cheekpieces on the other morning, I thought, Wow, that's the old Lossiemouth and Paul felt the same." He added, "How quick was she to flip her front feet out and get away from the hurdle with so much momentum, and then quicken up the hill as well. I mean, she is just so good, and we've all sort of worried two miles is really too sharp for her, but her jumping today was as quick as we've ever seen it."
A Historic Achievement
Mullins emphasised that this Champion Hurdle victory surpasses all her previous accomplishments. "To win the Champion Hurdle definitely outranks everything else she’s done. But to come back here with four years in a row is an achievement in itself but then to win four years is, she’s gone Triumph, Mares’ twice and then this and it’s been superb," he stated. He also acknowledged the strength of last year's competition, adding, "Just 12 months ago State Man would have left her for dead."
The win was celebrated with owners Susannah and Rich Ricci, capping off a memorable day at Cheltenham. Lossiemouth's historic four-timer solidifies her status as one of the festival's all-time greats, a testament to her consistency, talent, and the skill of her training team.
