Lossiemouth to be kept in Champion Hurdle ‘in case the race cuts up further’ with Constitution Hill OUT of Cheltenham

LOSSIEMOUTH will be kept in the Champion Hurdle mix to the last minute – but owner Rich Ricci doesn’t expect her to run in the race even with powerhouse Constitution Hill out the way.

As most of you will know, Constitution Hill was ruled out this morning by trainer Nicky Henderson.

Owner Rich Ricci expects Lossiemouth to run in the Mares’ Hurdle… but will be kept in the Champion HurdleSportsfile

Owner Michael Buckley described the news as ‘tragic’ to me.

Most would love Lossiemouth, last years’s Triumph Hurdle heroine, to tackle stable companion and new hotpot Champion Hurdle favourite State Man.

But it remains unlikely that will happen even though she stormed to victory at Cheltenham on her only run this season.

“Regardless of Constitution Hill staying in or out, I’d think we would keep Lossiemouth in the Champion Hurdle for full optionality in case the race cuts up,” Ricci told me.

“But I am expecting her to run in the Mares’ race.”

Meanwhile, there were 4,500 students at Doncaster on Sunday and it was one of the best atmospheres I’ve experienced on a racecourse for a very long time.

My experience is racing folk on social media tend to sneer at student days.

As is so often the case in this sport it’s a topic that, by dissing, some make themselves feel superior.

The general gist is that all the students are on the lash and don’t care about the racing at all.

Well that’s a load of nonsense, and those that don’t think it’s super cool are the clueless ones.

Sunday’s Doncaster card was one of the worst ever put on at the track in terms of class, and the fields were pathetic.

But the students didn’t care at all.

All I saw were people having a good time.

Sunday’s fixture would have had one man and his dog without them.

As it was, the crowd was four or five deep around the pre-parade ring looking at the horses before they came to the paddock.

The horses were cheered into the paddock, and the roar for the first race was bigger than the one we will get for the Supreme at Cheltenham a week tomorrow.

Added to all that, many were having a bet.

The students cheered the horses as they passed the stand with a circuit to go, and there was a huge cheer for some exciting finishes.

Yes a few clearly had a drink or two, but it made the day feel special.

I loved it. This is the way forward if the game wants to flourish.

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