Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci have confirmed that their seven‑year‑old mare Lossiemouth will contest the Unibet Champion Hurdle on Cheltenham’s opening day. After diverting to the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle last meeting and winning comfortably for a second time, the filly now steps up to face the boys. Bookmakers have priced her at 9-4 joint‑favourite alongside Dan Skelton’s The New Lion.

Skelton’s New Lion earned a trial victory at Cheltenham in January, while Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace, last year’s surprise winner after a stumble for Constitution Hill and State Man, will defend her title. Gordon Elliott enters Brighterdaysahead, Henry de Bromhead fields Workahead, and Mull