Lounaos flop still a mystery

LOUNAOS returned home from Cheltenham in good shape, leaving handler Eoin Griffin unable to account for her disappointing show in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

The filly was sent off the well-supported 7-2 favourite for the Grade One championship event, having previously finished fourth behind her elders in the AIG Champion Hurdle.

However, Lounaos was beaten some way from home and trailed in a well-beaten 10th behind Alan King’s impressive winner Katchit.