Saturday’s Morgiana Hurdle runners have been boosted by the confirmation that Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead will join the two-time winner State Man for the 2024 Punchestown renewal.
Heavyweight Morgiana Hurdle Renewal Sees State Man, Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead Clash At Punchestown
We knew the winner of the last two Morgiana Hurdles – State Man – was going to bid for a famous three-timer in Saturday’s big Grade One at Punchestown, but he’s going to have to work hard for his horse racing treble this year.
This is because stablemate, Lossiemouth has been declared a Morgiana Hurdle runner. Along with the exciting Brighterdaysahead for trainer Gordon Elliott.
Being mares, both Lossiemouth and Brighterdaysahead will also get a handy 7lbs weight allowance from last year’s Champion Hurdle winner – State Man.
Lossiemouth, who won last year’s Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, did also hold an entry in the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on Sunday December 1st.
However, Mullins and connections have opted to get their exciting grey back on the course in this weekend’s Morgiana Hurdle. Which now sets up an unmissable three-way clash.
Mullins Has Won The Morgiana Hurdle 13 Times
Trainer Willie Mullins has also won the Morgiana Hurdle a remarkable 13 times.
Plus, along with Lossiemouth and State Man, the Closutton hander also have Sir Gerhard, Winter Fog and Daddy Long Legs entered – meaning he’s got five of the nine 2024 Morgiana Hurdle runners.
The best horse racing betting sites in the UK are expected to have State Man as the one to beat.
Brighterdaysahead Has Had The Benefit Of A Recent Run
Trainer Gordon Elliott has only ever won the Morgiana Hurdle once before – that came in 2020 with Abacadabras for Gigginstown House Stud.
However, he’ll feel that for the same connections he’ll have a top chance of adding to that and also upsetting the Mullins apple cart – with his exciting mare Brighterdaysahead.
She came up short in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season but has bounced back since. Winning the Grade One Turners Mersey Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree and returned earlier this month to win at Down Royal (watch below).
This means, Brighterdaysahead will also have benefit of a recent run – something her two main rivals haven’t.
Morgiana Hurdle 2024: Race Details
📅Date: Saturday 23rd November 2024
⌚Time: 2:10pm
🏇Racecourse: Punchestown
🔄Trip: 2m 1/2f
💷Winning Purse: €88,500
📺 TV: ITV / Racing TV
You can also watch SportsCasting’s Andy Newton on this week’s Final Furlong podcast.
Have State Man and Lossiemouth Ever Run Against Each Other Before?
No. Lossiemouth has won eight of her nine starts but is yet to race against the 2024 Champion Hurdler State Man.
Her only defeat came in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown back in February 2023. Coming second to Gala Marceau.
She gained her revenge on that horse, however, with a smooth win in the Mares Champion Hurdle at Punchestown in May (watch below)
Lossiemouth was also promoted to the 2025 Champion Hurdle favourite earlier in the week after some questioned Constitution Hill’s racecourse gallop at Newbury.
ITV Racing To Show Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown On Saturday
In a boost for horse racing fans, it’s also been confirmed that ITV Racing will add Saturday’s Morgiana Hurdle to their coverage. They are also at Haydock to show the Betfair Chase and Ascot to take in the CopyBet 1965 Chase. In total, they will show nine races on the day.
Morgiana Hurdle Runners 2024 – The Final Punchestown Declarations
- Daddy Long Legs
- No Looking Back
- Sir Gerhard
- Smooth Tom
- State Man
- Winter Fog
- Brighterdaysahead
- Lossiemouth
