Willie Mullins Believes State Man Returns Stronger for Cheltenham Challenge

State Man is ready to take on the all-conquering Constitution Hill in this year’s Unibet Champion Hurdle, according to trainer Willie Mullins.

The Irish raider fell short by nine lengths behind Nicky Henderson’s National Hunt superstar last year, marking his only defeat out of eleven completed hurdle starts. However, Mullins believes that State Man has grown stronger since then.

In the past year, State Man has achieved four Grade One triumphs and most recently won the Irish Champion Hurdle with a comfortable five-and-a-half-length lead over Bob Olinger. Meanwhile, stablemate Impaire Et Passe struggled in the same race.

Mullins acknowledges that Constitution Hill will arrive at Cheltenham Festival after just one run this season. Nevertheless, he expects Henderson to have his defending champion well-prepared for the challenge ahead.

“State Man will go for the Champion and I think he’s in great order,” said Mullins. “I didn’t talk to any of the time men after Leopardstown because I thought his performance at Christmas was huge against Impaire Et Passe who was much more competitive than he was.”

Mullins adds that although there are concerns about tactics and fitness levels going into the race, he trusts jockey Paul Townend to make the right decisions. He also acknowledges Henderson’s knack for getting his horses in top form for Cheltenham.

“We hope it will be a hell of a race,” Mullins commented. “Nicky probably doesn’t want that and Constitution Hill fans probably don’t either, but we are stronger this year.”

Having already won the Champion Hurdle four times with previous horses, Mullins believes State Man brings different qualities to the table compared to his past champions.

“He hasn’t won a Champion Hurdle yet so he has a bit to catch up with those that have,” explained Mullins. “He doesn’t have the pizzazz of Faugheen or the speed of Hurricane Fly, but he has other things – he jumps well and is incredibly consistent.”

Mullins concludes by expressing his hopes of turning the tables this year and closing the gap on Constitution Hill.

Lossiemouth’s Path at Cheltenham

In addition to State Man’s campaign in the Champion Hurdle, there has been speculation surrounding mare Lossiemouth’s participation in major events. After an impressive win in last month’s Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham Trials day, some suggest she should aim for higher targets such as The Champion Hurdle itself.

Mullins shares his thoughts on this matter: “Lossiemouth hasn’t done anything wrong. I know many people want her to go down the Champion Hurdle route, but I’m not even sure if there wasn’t a Mares’ Hurdle we’d go down that route with a five-year-old.”

The trainer believes that five-year-olds may not yet possess the physical strength required to compete at the highest level in such a demanding race. Mullins advises patience and believes that Lossiemouth will have other opportunities in the future.

Lossiemouth is currently favored as a 12-1 shot for Cheltenham, with her main target likely being the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. This two-and-a-half-mile event may provide an ideal platform for her talents alongside potential stablemates Ashroe Diamond, Gala Marceau, and Echoes In Rain who are also considered contenders for this race.