Lossiemouth took their final Grade One win of the year after holding off 2024 winner Brighterdaysahead in Monday December’s Hurdle at Leopardstown.
The pre-race favorite (4-6) delivered the goods in a thrilling finish as jockey Paul Townend secured victory for trainer Willie Mullins.
It was the first race of the season for Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead and the second favorite (5-2) made a late gallop with Jack Kennedy on board but could not overtake the favorite on the line.
“She was brilliant,” Townend said of the winner, speaking to RTE Sport.
“I was hoping she would get me out of trouble like she did.”
“I was worried then Patrick [Mullins on Anzadam] flew over a few obstacles to get past us. It probably got us racing a little bit sooner than if he hadn’t gone past me, but I wanted to mark him and cover all the bases and let the rest dance to my tune as much as possible.”
Casheldale Lad set the early pace with Lossiemouth on the shoulder, while Brighterdaysahead stayed on the outside down the straight.
Anzadam, with Patrick Mullins in the saddle, made an attempt to take a brief lead but it was Lossiemouth who roared back superbly and surged ahead on the straight.
Brighterdaysahead rose to the challenge and closed the gap but had to settle for second place, while Casheldale Lad (16-1) gave Anzadam third place.
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