Lossiemouth delivered a stunning performance to win the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival, providing a welcome distraction from the sport's internal disputes. The JP McManus-owned mare, trained by Willie Mullins, tracked Brighterdaysahead before pulling clear to win by six and a half lengths, silencing critics who suggested she had missed her moment.
Mullins, who fitted cheekpieces after a poor run at the Dublin Racing Festival, hailed his charge as a 'star mare'. 'To come back four years on the trot, never mind win, that puts her in a league of her own,' he said. The victory was Lossiemouth's fourth consecutive win at Cheltenham.
The day also saw Constitution Hill paraded before the first race in a rousing sendoff, while Old Park Star won the opener for trainer Nicky Henderson. The Arkle Chase provided a thrilling three-way finish as Kargese held off Kopek des Bordes and Lulamba.
Attendance on day one was 57,242, the highest for three years, offering a boost to a sport facing significant challenges. Betting revenue is declining, costs are rising, and the foal crop is falling. Last week, Lord Allen departed as British Horseracing Authority chair after a turbulent six months.
One insider said the 'civil war' between racing's stakeholders was on hold for the festival, but talks would take place. 'Everyone agrees on what the challenges are... the problem is we are arguing about how to divide the pie, when we should be talking about how to grow the pie,' they said.
Meanwhile, JP McManus celebrated his 75th birthday with winners Saratoga (10-1) and Jonnywho (18-1), adding to his legendary status at Cheltenham. The festival continues with four days of racing, offering a temporary truce in the sport's internal battles.
