The debate continues to swirl around Willie Mullins’ star mare, Lossiemouth, as the Cheltenham Festival approaches. The question isn’t whether she’ll run – the surge of cash backing her suggests a firm intention to participate – but where she’ll run. The central dilemma facing the champion trainer is whether to enter Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle or the Mares’ Hurdle, a decision that echoes a past misstep with Annie Power in 2015.
Mullins’ stable tour has highlighted Lossiemouth as a key contender for the Festival, with recent updates focusing on her preparation and well-being. The mare’s form has been impressive, leading to increased speculation and betting interest. However, the memory of Annie Power being controversially pulled from the Champion Hurdle in favor of the Mares’ Hurdle – a decision widely criticized at the time – looms large. The Racing Post questions whether Mullins will repeat what many consider a mistake.
Lossiemouth’s Potential Cheltenham Targets
Currently, Lossiemouth is being considered for both the Champion Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. The Champion Hurdle, a prestigious race open to both sexes, presents a significant challenge, while the Mares’ Hurdle is restricted to female horses. The choice hinges on assessing where Lossiemouth has the greatest chance of success, and avoiding a repeat of the Annie Power situation.
According to reports, Cheltenham suits Lossiemouth better than other tracks, potentially influencing the decision towards the Champion Hurdle. However, the Mares’ Hurdle offers a less competitive field, potentially increasing her odds of victory. Mullins’ recent stable tour, available on YouTube, provides insights into the condition of his horses, including Lossiemouth, but doesn’t definitively reveal his plans.
The Annie Power Precedent
The 2015 Champion Hurdle remains a sensitive topic for Mullins and his supporters. Annie Power was a strong favorite for the race but was unexpectedly withdrawn on the day, with Mullins opting to run her in the Mares’ Hurdle instead. While Annie Power did win the Mares’ Hurdle, the decision was met with widespread criticism, with many believing she would have won the Champion Hurdle. The incident continues to be referenced when discussing Lossiemouth’s potential participation in either race.
The parallels between Lossiemouth and Annie Power are undeniable. Both are talented mares trained by Willie Mullins, and both have been considered potential contenders for the Champion Hurdle. Mullins will be acutely aware of the scrutiny he will face if he makes a similar decision with Lossiemouth.
Recent Stable Updates and Market Movement
Recent reports from Sporting Life, detailing Mullins’ 2026 Cheltenham Festival stable tour, confirm Lossiemouth is among his star-studded team. The article highlights updates on Fact To File, Gaelic Warrior, and exciting novices Mighty Park and Doctor Steinberg alongside Lossiemouth. The Sun reports a surge of cash being placed on Lossiemouth, indicating growing confidence in her chances at the Festival. However, Mullins has also reportedly pulled out a number of horses from the Festival, as noted on JOE.co.uk’s Facebook page, suggesting a cautious approach to ensuring his runners are in peak condition.
The Cheltenham Festival is scheduled to begin on March 10th, 2026, according to the BBC. The final decision regarding Lossiemouth’s participation in either the Champion Hurdle or the Mares’ Hurdle is expected to be made closer to the event, taking into account her final preparations and the prevailing conditions.
As the Cheltenham Festival draws nearer, all eyes will be on Willie Mullins and his team. The decision regarding Lossiemouth’s race will be a crucial one, with significant implications for both the trainer and the mare. The racing world awaits with anticipation to see if Mullins will learn from the past and avoid a repeat of the Annie Power controversy.
What do you think? Should Lossiemouth tackle the Champion Hurdle, or is the Mares’ Hurdle the safer option? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
