Lossiemouth delivered a commanding performance to win the December Hurdle at Leopardstown on Monday, emphatically putting behind her a dramatic and bizarre exit from the same track earlier this year.
Redemption for the Grey Mare
The Willie Mullins-trained grey mare, who was the 8-11 favourite for the Irish Champion Hurdle in February, fell four fences from home in that race. Her trainer later provided an unusual explanation, suggesting a flock of seagulls may have been to blame. "There was a flock of seagulls that just took off and maybe that took her eye off," Mullins said at the time, noting she pricked her ears just before the hurdle and failed to jump high enough.
A Decisive Return to Form
On her return to Leopardstown, Lossiemouth showed no such distractions, clinching her ninth Grade 1 success. She defeated the Gordon Elliott-trained Brighterdaysahead, who was the 5-2 shot aiming to defend her crown, by a length in a thrilling finish. The victory adds to an impressive sequence for Lossiemouth, who has won every start since her February fall, including the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
The race unfolded with Anzadam pulling to the lead under Patrick Mullins but faltering from the home turn, setting up a straight fight between the two star mares. Lossiemouth, ridden by Paul Townend, found more on the run-in to secure the win.
Future Targets and Festival Plans
Following the race, Mullins indicated that both Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead are likely to return to Leopardstown for the Dublin Racing Festival, citing a lack of alternative options for top-tier horses. He also mused about future tactics for Anzadam, suggesting that if they could control his keenness, he had the engine of a Grade One horse.
In the betting for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Lossiemouth remains Coral's 3-1 second-favourite behind Sir Gino (13-8). Brighterdaysahead, despite a promising comeback, is a 14-1 shot after disappointing in two previous visits to Prestbury Park.
