Willie Mullins Eyes Triple Triumph at Cheltenham Festival 2025

Punters believe the stars have aligned for a Willie Mullins bonanza

From the off as the final countdown begins to the famous roar that kicks off the Cheltenham Festival. The Closutton trainer already had oddsmakers biting their fingernails as he boasts hot favourites in the opening two races, with Kopek Des Bordes leading the way at 10/11 in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Majborough a 4/7 favourite in the Arkle. But with Lossiemouth now aimed at the Mares’ Hurdle, the threat of Mullins getting Festival week off to a flyer has bookies ducking for cover.

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The mare is now an 8/13 favourite to land the Mares’ Hurdle for the second year in succession, having swerved a showdown with Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle on day one. If all three Mullins hotpots oblige their short odds, salt could be rubbed in the wounds of bookmakers as Nicky Hendeson’s superstar is set to go off a hot favourite in the big race on day one. BoyleSports is reporting Constitution Hill is the worst result in their antepost book having touched 9/2 in November, but subsequently falling into just 8/13 on the eve of the opening day. Lawrence Lyons, spokesperson for BoyleSports, said: 'The Tuesday at Cheltenham is always dangerous for bookies but Willie Mullins has us shaking in our boots even more than usual this year. With well-backed favourites in the opening two races, Lossiemouth is now waiting in the wings to put us on the canvas from the off. Many will be adding Constitution Hill to make it a four-timer and he’s already a nightmare result for us having been backed off the boards from bigger prices over the past few months. If all four go in, it’ll be quite the sting for the industry and we’ll be counting the millions come close of play on Tuesday.'