Get ready for an exciting preview of the Unibet Champion Hurdle, where the legendary Ruby Walsh shares his insights!
The Champion's Choice: Unibet's Hurdle Preview
Following the recent action-packed weekend at Leopardstown, Walsh has his eye on a potential winner. He believes that The New Lion is the horse to watch in this highly anticipated race. But here's where it gets controversial...
Last Sunday's Irish Champion Hurdle saw Brighterdaysahead reverse its Christmas form with Lossiemouth. While speaking on the Cheltenham Countdown podcast, Walsh analyzed the race and felt that the writing was on the wall early for Lossiemouth.
"She was hanging to her left, always leaning inwards. The middle of the racecourse was the place to be that day, but she kept drifting left. I noticed the signs early on; even before the first hurdle, Jack seemed to be struggling to keep her in check, while Paul's body language suggested he was urging his horse forward."
Walsh compares Lossiemouth's performance to its previous run behind Constitution Hill in last season's Christmas Hurdle. He recalls, "I remember thinking she might fall out of the TV screen! Under pressure, she seemed to lose focus, but to her credit, she kept hanging on."
However, Paul Townend, Lossiemouth's jockey, offered a different perspective. He felt that if Brighterdaysahead had opened up at the second-last hurdle, Lossiemouth might not have caught up.
"Brighterdaysahead's performance was brilliant, but would I back her for the Champion Hurdle? I'd say the ground would need to be soft."
So, does this performance rule Lossiemouth out of the Champion Hurdle? Walsh thinks not. He explains, "It's too early to write her off. We don't know what the opposition will bring in the next five weeks. Willie [Mullins, the trainer] is taking a wait-and-see approach."
Walsh believes Lossiemouth performs better over longer distances and might not be suited to the two-mile Champion Hurdle.
"I think she travels better and seems more comfortable going a little further. She might just need that extra fraction of time to find her rhythm. But make no mistake, she's still a top-class mare."
Now, onto the main event - the Champion Hurdle. Walsh is backing The New Lion. He explains why:
"The International Hurdle didn't play to The New Lion's strengths; it was more like a training session. Harry Cobden practically show-jumped him over the hurdles! But despite that, he showed a good turn of foot. The race was run slowly, and they gave Nemean Lion an easy ride. On the New Course, with its long run-in, you can afford to take your time, but that won't fly in the Champion Hurdle. I believe The New Lion will beat Brighterdaysahead, with Golden Ace finishing third."
So, who will take the crown? Will The New Lion live up to Walsh's expectations? And what about Lossiemouth's chances?
This is the part most people miss: it's not just about the horse; it's about the ground, the tactics, and the opposition.
What do you think? Who's your pick for the Unibet Champion Hurdle? Let's discuss in the comments!
