Coolmore N.H. Sires Bolshoi Ballet Irish EBF Mares

Champion Hurdle (Grade 1)

WILLIE Mullins confirmed that Lossiemouth is on course to take on the boys in next year’s Champion Hurdle after simply outclassing her rivals in the Coolmore N.H. Sires Bolshoi Ballet Irish EBF Mares Champion Hurdle.

Despite not jumping as slickly as she can, the now four-time Grade 1 winner always looked comfortable and confirmed her supremacy over stablemates Gala Marceau and Ashroe Diamond, who completed a one-two-three for Willie Mullins.

Susannah Ricci’s 2/11 winner was left unchanged as 5/2 second favourite for the Champion Hurdle with William Hill after this seven-length success under Paul Townend.

Mullins, making it nine wins in the last 11 runnings of this Grade 1, said: “She didn’t jump with the same fluency but I think Paul was probably trying to settle her and didn’t want her to jump over-exuberantly with that in mind. They went a very fast gallop and he was happy enough to let her settle.

“She won very comfortably. Off that gallop, I think it was a great performance. Paul was very happy that she’s settling well for him now. I doubt Lossiemouth will go to France. I think she has done enough for the year now. Gala Marceau might go to France but it’s about trying to find a suitable enough race for her in terms of trip and so on.”

Stronger mare

Asked if he’d be keen to have a crack at a Champion Hurdle with Lossiemouth, Mullins added: “Yes, definitely. I thought that was the plan! All being well, she will be old enough to do that next year. As far as I know, that’s the plan at the moment. Hopefully she’ll be a stronger mare next year. They learn as they go along.”

It was announced on track that third-placed Ashroe Diamond had run her last race, having been covered by Blue Bresil, while Telmesomethinggirl, the fourth and final finisher, is also in foal to the same sire.