Lossiemouth
Neil's single pick of Willie Mullins' star mare propelled him to the title.
Lossiemouth started at Punchestown in November as 1/5F for the Morgiana Hurdle and coasted to a 19-length victory under Paul Townend for 42.4 points.
Next up was the December Hurdle at Leopardstown on the 29th of that month. Lossiemouth, the 4/6 favourite, duelled with another top mare in Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead but ultimately came out on top by a length and bagged 53.34 points for the eventual champ.
The two horses met again at Leopardstown in February for the Irish Champion Hurdle. This time it was Brighterdaysahead who came out on top by three and a quarter lengths. That sparked even more pf a debate than usual about Lossiemouth's Cheltenham target.
With Nicky Henderson's Sir Gino and Constitution Hill ruled out, the Champion Hurdle became the obvious target. Lossiemouth was the 7/5F ahead of old rival Brighterdaysahead and top British challenger The New Lion in the betting.
Picking up the lead after the turn for home Townend waited until after the last to let Lossiemouth go and she raced up the hill to an impressive six and a half length win and 79.8 points.
The top three:
175.54 - Lossiemouth (42.4 + 53.34 +79.8)
175.26 - No Drama This End (52 + 42.9 + 52.9 +27.46)
139.56 - Brighterdaysahead (57.5 + 26.8 + 55.26)
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