Lossiemouth returned to Leopardstown on Monday and claimed a decisive victory in the December Hurdle, making amends for her dramatic fall at the same track in February. The grey mare was an 8-11 favourite for the Irish Champion Hurdle when she came down four out, allowing stablemate State Man to take the spoils.
Trainer Willie Mullins later offered an unusual explanation for the mishap, suggesting a flock of seagulls may have distracted his charge. "There was a flock of seagulls that just took off and maybe that took her eye off because she just pricked her ears straight before the hurdle and then just didn't get up," he said.
Since that day, Lossiemouth has been unbeaten, adding the Mares' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival to her record. Monday's December Hurdle saw her secure a ninth Grade 1 success as she edged out Brighterdaysahead by a length under Paul Townend. The defending champion had won the race by 30 lengths and was a 5-2 shot to retain her crown, but the two star mares ultimately fought out a thrilling finish.
Anzadam set the pace under Patrick Mullins but faded from the home turn, leaving the two leading fancies to battle for supremacy. Lossiemouth found more on the run-in to pass the post a length clear.
Mullins was impressed with both mares and hinted they could return for the Dublin Racing Festival. "I'm sure both mares will be back here for the Dublin Racing Festival. There aren't too many options for those types of horses," he said. He also reflected on Anzadam's front-running display, adding: "He has a fair engine and if we can control him, he is probably a Grade One horse."
In the ante-post market for the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Lossiemouth is a 3-1 second favourite behind Sir Gino at 13-8, while Brighterdaysahead is available at 14-1.
