Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth smashed in the betting as punters bank on astonishing Cheltenham U-turn

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WILLIE MULLINS’ wondermare Lossiemouth has been smashed in the betting for the Champion Hurdle – as punters bank on an amazing Cheltenham U-turn.

Owner Rich Ricci said at Sun Racing’s Cheltenham Preview Night in association with Tote that her Festival target would be decided after a key piece of work this weekend.

Jockey Paul Townend, trainer Willie Mullins, and winning horse Lossiemouth at the Fairyhouse Winter Festival.
Lossiemouth was a big drifter for the Champion Hurdle but punters have backed her right back in again

He refused to rule out a move to the Mares’ Hurdle while Mullins had hinted the Champion Hurdle was definitely still an option.

Lossiemouth was backed off the boards for the Mares’ Hurdle on the Betfair Exchange but has since drifted from 5-4 to 11-5.

And she has been punted in for the Champion Hurdle, where, at the time of writing, she is 8-1 having been 12s.

Her price has been incredibly volatile all week but it’s clear the money – for now – is only coming one way.

Betfair spokesperson Barry Orr said: “She drifted out to 12-1 in the Champion Hurdle markets while shortening for the Mares’ Hurdle but her price has since found its level.

“It would look like the Champion Hurdle is her preferred option.”

Should Lossiemouth line up in the Champion Hurdle then she will be contesting a race for the ages.

Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead has been unstoppable this season and will attempt to get the better of Nicky Henderson’s odds-on Constitution Hill.

Mullins also has defending champ State Man in the mix, who’s 12-1 on the Exchange.

Constitution Hill, who was forced to miss his defence at last year’s Festival, is the 4-5 fav.

While Elliott’s mare, who thrashed State Man more than 30 lengths when last seen, is a shade under 3-1.

While Lossiemouth remains the favourite for the Mares’ Hurdle, the price of Mullins’ Jade De Grugy has come in on the Exchange to 4.5.

On the sportsbooks, she is a best-price 5-2 while Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace – who beat Brighterdaysahead in last year’s Mares’ Novice – is as short as 5-1.

Declarations for the first day of the Festival – when we definitely know which horse is running where – will be made at 10am on Sunday.