Cheekpieces explainer: The items that have had a transformative effect on Lossiemouth

Darren Norris explains what Cheekpieces are, what they do and why are they in vogue?

CHEEKY: Paul Townend on Lossiemouth celebrates winning. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

After Lossiemouth’s Champion Hurdle win, trainer Willie Mullins, jockey Paul Townend, and owner Rich Ricci were all adamant that first-time cheekpieces had had a transformative effect on a mare who has looked so laboured in defeat in the Irish Champion Hurdle last month.

Gavin Cromwell will hope they can have a similar impact on defending champion Inothewayurthinkinin Friday’s Gold Cup but what are they and why do trainers opt to use them?