There’s a NEW Champion Hurdle favourite in town – as, without even running a race, the Willie Mullins grey Lossiemouth has shot to the head of the market – mainly due to her biggest rival Constitution Hill disappointing in a recent racecourse gallop at Newbury.
Constitution Hill Dislodged As Champion Hurdle Favourite After Racecourse Gallop Comes Under Scrutiny
The unbeaten 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill was a mover in the market for this season renewal on Tuesday 11th March – but not in a positive way.
Nicky Henderson’s classy 7 year-old is set to return to the track, after missing the second half of last season (and the Festival), in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle on Saturday 30th November. A race he won in 2022.
However, in a recent prep gallop at Newbury (watch below) the horse was far from impressive, which has led to some horse racing fans doubting the horse for his intended first run back – and also the Champion Hurdle later this season.
As a result, the best horse racing betting sites in the UK pushed Constitution Hill out in the Champion Hurdle market – with the Willie Mullins mare Lossiemouth now promoted as the new favourite, without even running a race yet this term.
The reason behind the market move is that after the Constitution Hill Newbury gallop, his jockey Nico De Boinville told reporters that the horse felt fine until two out when he took a bit of a blow (watch below).
He went onto say he expects the horse to come on for the run and this is what these racecourse gallops are for.
But, despite this optimism, the layers were as impressed and now make Constitution Hil 3/1 for the Champion Hurdle – which is the biggest price he’s been.
Constitution Hill’s trainer Nicky Henderson has won the Champion Hurdle nine times – more than any other stable.
Lossiemouth Looking To Give Willie Mullins A Sixth Champion Hurdle Win
Having bolted up in the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season (watch below), there was talk of Lossiemouth targeting that race again.
However, at just 5 years-old (will be 6 by the Festival) connections have now said the more lucrative Champion Hurdle will be the target for this Rich Ricci-owned grey.
Being a mare, Lossiemouth will also get a handy weight allowance (7lbs) in the Champion Hurdle and will be looking to become the fifth female to win the race since Annie Power in 2016 – who was also trained by Willie Mullins and owned by Rich Ricci.
Lossiemouth hasn’t been out so far this season – but does hold an entry in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse on December 1st.
Her only career defeat came in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown back in February – when stablemate Gala Marceau got first run on her.
Lossiemouth Career In Numbers
- Runs: 9
- Wins: 8
- Grade One Wins: 4
- Career Earnings: £
Note: Figures correct as 19th November 24
