Lossiemouth – The Champion Mare Bidding For a Fourth Victory at Cheltenham in 2026
Lossiemouth, Willie Mullins’ outstanding grey mare, is gearing up for an audacious attempt at a fourth consecutive Cheltenham Festival victory, this time bidding for a historic hat-trick in the Mares’ Hurdle, a race where she’s already the antepost favourite.
Her career since arriving at Closutton has blended brilliance and consistency, making her one of the most accomplished hurdlers of her generation.
Lossiemouth’s journey to stardom began when she was sent to Mullins in Ireland as a three-year-old, immediately capturing the attention of racing fans and experts alike.
The Great Pretender-sired mare won her hurdling debut in style at Fairyhouse, setting the tone for what would become a glittering series of performances on the big stage.
She made her Cheltenham debut in the 2023 Triumph Hurdle, where she stormed home to claim her first Festival accolade.
This victory confirmed her talent and signalled the arrival of a future star in the hurdles division.
By the end of that season, Lossiemouth’s record over obstacles stood at an impressive five wins from her early six starts.
Grade 1 Glory
The six-year-old refined her reputation throughout subsequent campaigns, consistently excelling in top-level company.
By the end of 2024, she was unbeaten over hurdles in Ireland, collecting prestigious wins in Grade One contests such as the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse and the Mares’ Champion Hurdle at Punchestown.
Each performance reinforced her status as one of the best hurdlers on either side of the Irish Sea.
Only a select few mares have ever managed to defend their Mares’ Hurdle crown at Cheltenham, and Lossiemouth joined those ranks in 2025 with an authoritative display.
She justified short odds of 4/6F, cruising into contention before asserting her dominance after the final hurdle and pulling away from her rivals by more than seven lengths.
Cheltenham Excellence
At the Cheltenham Festival, Lossiemouth is nothing short of exceptional. She has maintained a flawless record, claiming the Mares’ Hurdle twice and the Triumph Hurdle before that.
The 2025 Mares’ Hurdle illustrated her tactical versatility as she settled behind her stablemate Jade De Grugy before unleashing a decisive burst after the last to secure victory by several lengths under jockey Paul Townend.
Her performances have drawn comparisons to legendary mares like Quevega, who set the standard by winning the Mares’ Hurdle six times in succession.
Mullins, ever the Festival specialist, described the decision to opt for the Mares’ Hurdle as “the right call,” focusing on Lossiemouth’s best chance to add yet another chapter to her Cheltenham story.
Season Highlights and Setbacks
While Lossiemouth’s dominance has been clear, her campaign leading up to Cheltenham 2025 hadn’t been entirely smooth.
She faced Constitution Hill, a former Champion Hurdle winner, in the 2024 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, finishing a creditable second by just over two lengths.
This result added nuance to discussions about whether Lossiemouth would target the Champion or the Mares’ Hurdle at the Festival.
Ultimately, connections leaned towards the mares-only contest, following the pattern set by Quevega, and aiming to extend Mullins’ record haul in the race.
She further underlined her class at Aintree, winning another Grade 1 when Constitution Hill’s race ended in a fall. Lossiemouth stayed on powerfully, besting Wodhooh and confirming that she remains at the peak of her powers despite occasional setbacks.
The 2026 Cheltenham Festival: Chasing History
Now, as the 2026 Cheltenham Festival approaches, Lossiemouth stands on the cusp of racing history.
No mare since Quevega has landed three consecutive Mares’ Hurdle triumphs, and Lossiemouth arrives as the undisputed antepost favourite.
Bookmakers and pundits have installed her at the head of the market, and her form, coupled with Mullins’ strategic expertise, has bred quiet confidence in the camp.
The anticipation is building for yet another showdown at Prestbury Park. Mullins, Townend, and owner Rich Ricci will face the usual agonising decision about her race target, but early signals point strongly toward the Mares’ Hurdle as the optimal route for a fourth Festival crown.
Rivals and Tactical Outlook
Lossiemouth’s closest rivals may come from within Mullins’ own stable – Grade 1 winners such as Jade De Grugy and Gala Marceau have proven capable, but have not matched her Festival record.
Recent meetings have tilted in Lossiemouth’s favour, and her biggest margin over Gala Marceau stands at an impressive 4.5 lengths.
With tactical speed, staying power, and a turn of foot that is lethal on Cheltenham’s undulating track, Lossiemouth is well-equipped to cope with any scenario.
She’s as adept at striking from close to the pace as she is at producing a late surge, giving Townend multiple options in running.
Aiming for Legacy
Lossiemouth’s journey from promising recruit to Cheltenham perennial has been emblematic of the Mullins stable’s approach with patient preparation, sharp placement, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Her record as of spring 2025 boasts at least eleven wins from fourteen starts, an enviable haul of Grade 1 prizes, and an unbroken string of Festival victories.
If she accomplishes a Mares’ Hurdle hat-trick in 2026, Lossiemouth will carve out her place among the true legends of jumps racing.
Her story is already remarkable, and the next chapter at Cheltenham promises another thrilling moment in a career defined by class, courage, and an unwavering will to win.
