High hopes for Lounaos in Triumph Hurdle

Eoin Griffin hopes Lounaos can become just the fourth filly to win a JCB Triumph Hurdle when she tackles 23 rivals at Cheltenham tomorrow.

Having won the November Handicap at Leopardstown, the youngster had no problem in landing her first two starts over timber.

Although she lost her unbeaten record in the AIG Champion Hurdle in January, a fourth-placed finish behind Hardy Eustace underlined her credentials for what is always one of the most competitive heats of the Festival.

“We ran her in the AIG primarily to get her a little more experience at the highest level as she had won her first two juvenile hurdles easily,” Griffin said.

“There will be plenty of hustle and bustle in the Triumph so we decided to throw her in at the deep end. I am happy with her preparation. It is going to be a difficult race but hopefully she’ll be good enough.”

Despite holding his filly in high regard, Griffin feels both Katchit and fellow Irish raider Duty will provide a stern test.

“Katchit seems to battle all the way to the line and you don’t know where the bottom of him is – he seems to always pull out more,” he said.

“Duty is another one that has come on the scene in the last month or so. He has done it from the front, seems to stay, is on the up and is one to look at.”