December Hurdle |
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| Grade 1, Leopardstown 14:32 €150,000 guaranteed, 4yo plus, 2m, Class 1  |
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1 Lossiemouth 4/6F
2
Brighterdaysahead 5/2
3
Casheldale Lad 16/1
8 ran Distances: 1l, 5½l, nk
Time: 3m 53.10s (slow by 3.10s)
Two fabulous mares battle out a thrilling finish to the G1 December Hurdle!
— Horse Racing Ireland (@HRIRacing) December 29, 2025
Lossiemouth sees off Brighterdaysahead at @LeopardstownRC ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/vAnMhTbLzN
Lossiemouth confirmed her standing at the top of the division as she saw off the bold bid of the returning Brighterdaysahead, in a race that developed into the anticipated clash between two outstanding mares.
Willie Mullins’ Lossiemouth, so impressive when winning the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on her reappearance, was sent off the 4-6 favourite to build on that success and register a ninth Grade One victory, with Paul Townend again in the saddle. Brighterdaysahead, dominant by 30 lengths in this contest a year earlier, was making her belated seasonal debut after an intended novice chasing campaign was curtailed by an autumn setback and was well supported at 5-2 for Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy.
The early stages were shaped by Elliott’s Casheldale Lad, who ensured a strong gallop for much of the first half of the race, before Patrick Mullins allowed Anzadam to stride on down the back straight. That move briefly changed the complexion, but Anzadam predictably paid for his enthusiasm from the home turn.
It was left to Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead to settle matters between themselves, and while the latter emerged with plenty of credit on her return, the edge provided by race fitness told close home. Lossiemouth found that little bit extra on the run-in, asserting late to score by a length and underline her position as the one they all have to beat.
December Hurdle
2m, €150,000 guaranteed
8 ran
Going: Good to Yielding
POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1 Lossiemouth 6 11-5 W P Mullins Paul Townend 4/6F
2 1 Brighterdaysahead 6 11-5 Gordon Elliott Jack Kennedy 5/2
3 5½ Casheldale Lad 5 11-12 Gordon Elliott Jordan Gainford 16/1
4 nk Anzadam 5 11-12 W P Mullins Mr P W Mullins 6/1
5 11 Hello Neighbour 4 11-12 Gavin Cromwell Keith Donoghue 28/1
6 8 Irancy 7 11-12 W P Mullins Mark Walsh 28/1
7 8 Winter Fog 11 11-12 W P Mullins Brian Hayes 80/1
8 51 Futurum Regem 9 11-12 Hugh Paul Finegan Eoghan Finegan 300/1
