Get ready for a thrilling showdown at the Unibet Champion Hurdle, because Ruby Walsh is putting his money on The New Lion to take the crown. But here's where it gets controversial—could this be the year an underdog steals the spotlight? Let’s dive into the expert’s analysis and see why this race is shaping up to be a game-changer.
Following the recent action at Leopardstown, Walsh believes The New Lion is the horse to beat. In a surprising turn of events, Brighterdaysahead reversed her Christmas form against Lossiemouth in the Irish Champion Hurdle. However, Walsh, speaking on Paddy Power Media’s From The Horse’s Mouth podcast, hinted that Lossiemouth’s struggles were evident early on. He noted, ‘She was hanging to her left, always pulling inward, and her jockey’s body language suggested a lack of control from the start.’ This observation raises a thought-provoking question: Can a horse recover from such an early disadvantage, or is the race lost before it truly begins?
Walsh drew parallels between Lossiemouth’s recent performance and her showing behind Constitution Hill in last season’s Christmas Hurdle. ‘At Kempton, I thought she was on the verge of collapsing under pressure, but she hung on—a testament to her resilience,’ he remarked. Yet, he remains skeptical about her chances in the Champion Hurdle, especially if the ground isn’t soft. And this is the part most people miss—ground conditions could be the deciding factor in this high-stakes race.
But does this mean Lossiemouth is out of the running entirely? Walsh isn’t ready to write her off just yet. ‘You never know what the opposition will bring in the next five weeks,’ he said, echoing Willie Mullins’ cautious approach. However, he added, ‘I’ve always felt she’s better suited for longer distances, where the slightly slower pace seems to play to her strengths.’ This interpretation sparks debate: Is Lossiemouth truly a two-mile contender, or is she being pushed into a race that doesn’t suit her?
Turning to the Champion Hurdle, Walsh is unequivocal in his support for The New Lion. ‘The International Hurdle didn’t play to his strengths—it was more like a schooling session,’ he explained. Despite the slow pace, The New Lion showcased a strong turn of foot, leaving Walsh impressed. ‘With the long run-in on the New Course, he had the luxury of time, but the Champion Hurdle demands a different kind of precision,’ he added. Here’s where it gets bold—Walsh predicts The New Lion will outpace Brighterdaysahead, with Golden Ace rounding out the top three.
So, what do you think? Is The New Lion the clear favorite, or is there another horse poised for an upset? And how much does ground condition truly matter in determining the winner? Let us know in the comments—this is one race where every opinion counts!
