Cheltenham Festival Highlights: Mullins and Townend Triumph in Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle
Trainer Willie Mullins and jockey Paul Townend celebrated a remarkable victory on Champion Day as Lossiemouth claimed the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle, marking a 5.7-1 treble for the duo.
🚀 Lossiemouth – Mares' Hurdle heroine & in some style
🏇 Eight runs
🥇 Seven wins
🏆 G1 Mares' Hurdle
🏆 G1 Triumph Hurdle
🏆 G1 Punchestown 4-Y-O Hurdle
⭐️ Superstar pic.twitter.com/jbfpRgL94J— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024
Paul Townend commended Lossiemouth’s brilliance and praised the patience and dedication of the team behind her success. Despite concerns about the rain affecting the horse’s stamina, Townend delivered a flawless ride, guiding Lossiemouth to victory with ease. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to ride such exceptional horses and acknowledged the privilege of competing at the Cheltenham Festival.
Willie Mullins echoed Townend’s sentiments, hailing Lossiemouth as a Champion Hurdle mare and praising Townend’s calm demeanor in the saddle. Mullins emphasized the importance of strategic decision-making, affirming the team’s choice not to run Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle. He revealed plans to prepare Lossiemouth for future races, including Punchestown and possibly the Champion Hurdle.
Winning owner Rich Ricci expressed delight at Lossiemouth’s victory and outlined plans to bring her back to Cheltenham next year. He praised the team’s disciplined approach and expressed pride in Lossiemouth’s achievements.
🗣 "Hopefully we'll run in it next year."
Champion Hurdle in 2025 for Lossiemouth following her stunning performance in the Mares' Hurdle according to owner Rich Ricci 👇 pic.twitter.com/cwuxP0GCxG
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) March 12, 2024
Trainer Henry De Bromhead lauded his horses’ performances, highlighting Telmesomethinggirl’s impressive run and Hispanic Moon’s progression. Despite Lossiemouth’s dominance, De Bromhead expressed satisfaction with his runners’ performances and looked ahead to future races.
In the 4:10 pm Close Brothers’ Mares’ Hurdle, Lossiemouth emerged victorious as the 8-13 favorite, followed by Telmesomethinggirl and Hispanic Moon. The win marked significant milestones for jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins, and owner Susannah Ricci, reaffirming their status as formidable contenders at the Cheltenham Festival.
