Willie Mullins breaks hearts with decision on where superstar Rich Ricci horse Lossiemouth runs at Cheltenham Festival

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WILLIE MULLINS looks set to break punters’ hearts with a decision on where superstar Lossiemouth runs at Cheltenham.

The Rich Ricci-owned wondermare was backed off the boards from 11-8 to 4-5 for the Mares’ Hurdle after Gordon Elliott confirmed Brighterdaysahead will run in the Champion Hurdle.

Jockey Paul Townend celebrates winning a horse race.
All roads lead to the Champion Hurdle for wondermare Lossiemouth – although some punters will be gutted after punting her for the Mares’ Hurdle

Punters thought that, after being outpaced by Constitution Hill at 2m over Christmas and her horrific fall last time out, the slightly easier option of the Mares – and longer trip – would be right up her street.

But Mullins appears ready to stay true to his word all season of training her for the top 2m race on Tuesday.

Speaking in the Sporting Life, Mullins said: “She’ll be a lot sharper for Cheltenham and the plan for the last two years has been for the Champion Hurdle and I’d imagine that’s where she’ll go.

“We still have her in the Mares’ Hurdle but at this point in time it’s about the Champion Hurdle for her.

“She likes Cheltenham and that’s a huge advantage.

“It might be a blessing in disguise that [since Kempton] we now know we need to sharpen her up before those two-mile events.

“The speed is there and we just need to get it out of her.”

Punters had been banking on a typical late Mullins switcheroo for the former Triumph and Mares’ Hurdle winner.

But she now looks set to contest a true race for the ages against Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead and defending Champion Hurdle king and Closutton stablemate State Man.

Mullins said the Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned hurdler will be in top nick in a bid to make it two in a row after a couple of so-so runs this season.

He said: “I think he’ll be a lot better coming back to Cheltenham – he’s a Champion Hurdle winner defending his title.”