St Patrick’s Day began with a lively start for the numerous Irish racing enthusiasts at Cheltenham, as Lossiemouth effortlessly justified favouritism in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

Trainer Willie Mullins entered no fewer than seven of the 15 runners, and he achieved the top four positions, with the grey filly becoming only the fifth of her kind to win the prize in history.

Although Gala Marceau, who had conquered Lossiemouth at the Dublin Racing Festival, finished well to take second place ahead of Zenta, the race was over once the 11-8 market leader comfortably moved ahead after jumping the second-to-last hurdle. She was then eased to a two-and-a-quarter-length victory at the finish. Gust Of Wind completed the Mullins quartet, and jockey Paul Townend secured his fourth win of the week.

It was the third time in four years that the Closutton trainer had won the race, having previously triumphed with Burning Victory in 2020 and Vauban last year.

Mullins said, “She got into the race at about the five-furlong marker, and rather than fight her, Paul just let her gallop and held onto her as much as he could for as long as he could. He thought she was actually idling in the straight and thinks there’s a little bit more in the tank. She looks like a star mare.”

“But for the traffic problems in Leopardstown, she’d be unbeaten for us. I’m very happy with how they all ran, except for Blood Destiny (who finished ninth), who was disappointing. I don’t know what happened to him, but all the others ran their race.”

“It’s a nice start to the day.”

When asked if Lossiemouth could be a contender for next year’s Champion Hurdle, Mullins said, “She’s a possibility the way she came up that hill there anyway. There’s every possibility that she’ll go down that route.”

Delighted owner Rich Ricci, celebrating his 20th Festival winner, said, “I felt unlucky on the day after her last run, and I’m delighted the one who beat us that day was second, as it confirms the form. She’s a lovely filly with a lot of potential, she’s National Hunt-bred, and she’s very nice.”

“Paul said coming down the hill she wanted to crack on, he held on to her just enough, she filled up, and she responded to him, which is great as it shows maturity. He said when he let her go, she was great.”

“I’m glad for Paul as Willie criticised him the last day. For the record, I didn’t think it was Paul’s fault; I thought the tactics were wrong, so it’s Willie’s fault actually! Willie had his best Jose Mourinho moment and found someone else to blame, but on the day, Paul was gutted. Sport is about redemption, I always say that.”

“It’s great to be a part of this. Tuesday was such a special day with Honeysuckle and Constitution Hill Hill, then yesterday with Henry (de Bromhead) winning on the day there was a race named after Jack (de Bromhead), it’s a very special week.”

“To have a winner is special, it’s our 20th winner, but you never take it for granted. We’ve had enough losers.”