Lossiemouth reels in Teahupoo to win Hatton's Grace

Lossiemouth enhanced her already lofty reputation with a straightforward win in the Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Willie Mullins’ five-year-old was returning to action after an unbeaten campaign last term that included Grade One victories at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals.

She had been beaten only once in nine starts prior to her Grade One Fairyhouse assignment, where she started the 4-7 favourite under Paul Townend in a field of four.

She was never hurried along and looked content in the slipstream of her rivals for much of the way, with dual race winner Teahupoo taking up the lead in the home straight.

Lossiemouth had not even hit top gear behind him, however, and when asked was easily able to sweep by and claim a three-and-three-quarter-length victory – with Betfair making her the 6-4 favourite from 9-4 for the Champion Hurdle.

Paul Townend and Lossiemouth beat Gordon Elliott's trio to win the Hatton's Grace Hurdle