Portugal Colonial - Lossiemouth in 'league of her own' as she wins Champion Hurdle

Paul Townend let out a huge cry as he crossed the line on the Irish 7/5 favourite, who was winning her fourth race in successive Festivals, having won the Triumph Hurdle in 2023 and the Mares Hurdle twice.

It was 10 years since owners Susannah and Rich Ricci won the Champion Hurdle with another great mare Annie Power, also trained by Mullins.

"She is a star mare," said Mullins of Lossiemouth.

"To come back four years on the trot and win every time puts her in a league of her own.

"I thought it was an open race and when I put cheek pieces on her the other day I thought 'that is the old Lossiemouth' and decided then this was the race for her."

For Townend it was a very different feeling to last year when he came down at the final hurdle while leading on State Man.

"I love her," said Townend. "She tries so hard. I have always had belief in her.

"She turns up and does her business. She has put me on the board here so many times," added the 35-year-old, who has won 12 times on her.

Another Irish mare Brighterdaysahead finished second with leading English hope The New Lion third, while last year's winner Golden Ace was fifth.

- 'Some great days' -

The 57,000-strong crowd let out the traditional Cheltenham Roar as the horses were sent on their way in the opening Supreme Novices Hurdle.

By the time they hit the final straight Irish voices had been silenced as the English dominated with a 1-2-3, victory going to favourite Old Park Star, ridden by Nico de Boinville.

For English training great Nicky Henderson it was his 76th Festival victory in a race he first won 40 years ago.

"He is a supreme horse, we are very lucky to have him. It has been a long time since River Ceiriog!" said the 75-year-old, referring to his Supreme Novices winner in the 1986 edition.

"Winning the first race, there is no better one to win and get it in the bag."

The Irish struck back in the next race, the Grade One Arkle Chase, as Mullins pulled off a 1-2. Kargese, under a superb ride from his nephew Danny Mullins, led from start to finish to beat Kopek Des Bordes.

"A lot has been made of this mare being hot-headed but I have always had a good relationship with her," said Danny Mullins.

"Everyone may have expected us to burn up but I had not burned the petrol early and had enough in the tank."

For owner Kenny Alexander it was another memorable Festival win with a mare, Honeysuckle, trained by Henry de Bromhead, having won the Champion Hurdle twice.

There was a sad post script to the race as outsider Hansard had to be put down, after he pulled up lame two fences out.

Saratoga delivered a 75th birthday present for owner JP McManus in the next, the Fred Winter Juvenile Hurdle, for his 85th Festival winner since Mister Donovan landed the odds in 1982.

Winning jockey Mark Walsh waved his whip towards McManus in the stands -- a bitter sweet moment for the rider as he is to be replaced as the owner's jockey next season by Harry Cobden.

"I met Michael O'Leary today and he wished me a happy birthday and added 'only the good die young'!" said McManus.

"Every winner at Cheltenham is very, very special.

"We've had a lot of fun. We've had some great days here. Everybody leans towards coming to Cheltenham and it means so much to so many."

McManus's haul of Cheltenham birthday presents doubled as his horses filled the 1-2 in the next race, a handicap chase, Richie McLernon guiding Johnnywho home.

R.Veloso--PC