Lossiemouth set for big clash with Teahupoo in Hatton's Grace Hurdle as only four confirmed for Grade 1 on Sunday

Sunday's Bar One Racing Hatton's Grace Hurdle (2.40) is shaping up to be another Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott showdown as Lossiemouth and Teahupoo were two of four left in the race at the forfeit stage on Tuesday.

Lossiemouth was a last-minute absentee from last week's Morgiana Hurdle against Brighterdaysahead and State Man due to a bruised foot and is set for a different test on her return to action over half a mile further at Fairyhouse this weekend. 

Gordon Elliott's mare Brighterdaysahead came out on top in last weekend's contest and Lossiemouth will have another of Cullentra's stars to contend with, this time in the shape of last year's sparkling Stayers' Hurdle winner Teahupoo, who will be bidding for a hat-trick in the race after wins in 2022 and 2023.

Teahupoo: has won the last two editions of the Hatton's GraceCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott is responsible for the two other possible runners, the bet365 Hurdle winner Beacon Edge and Maxxum, and while he has won the Grade 1 five times in the last decade, Lossiemouth's trainer Willie Mullins has not won the race since 2015.

State Man, Ballyburn, Brighterdaysahead, Langer Dan, Mystical Power, Sir Gerhard and Jetara were taken out of the race.

Nine horses remain in contention for the other Grade 1 on the card, the Bar One Racing Drinmore Novice Chase (2.05), with Elliott responsible for five.

Supreme Novices' Hurdle third and Arkle second-favourite Firefox could lead Elliott's team, with Saturday's Florida Pearl one-two Stellar Story and Search For Glory retaining their entries.

Romeo Coolio: Supreme second-favourite could run in the Royal BondCredit: Patrick McCann

The Champion Bumper runner-up Romeo Coolio, who made a successful start to hurdling at Down Royal earlier this month, could face as many as 11 rivals in the Grade 2 Bar One Racing Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (1.35).

Elliott's charge could be joined by stablemates Bleu De Vassy, Casheldale Lad and Wingmen, while Mullins has the option of Gaucher, Plontier, Sea Of Sands, Tounsivator and Belloccio.

Mullins could also unleash the highly touted Triumph Hurdle favourite Willy De Houelle in the Grade 3 juvenile hurdle (12.30).

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