Cheekpieces explainer: The items that have had a transformative effect on Lossiemouth
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?
Cheekpieces are soft, sheepskin or fleece-lined straps attached to a horse's bridle, running down the sides of the face to partially restrict peripheral vision.
The idea is to help the horse focus on the task in hand and reduce distractions.
The aim with Lossiemouth was to ensure she travelled better through the earlier part of the race.
They can also be used to help a horse jump better, as was the case with stablemate Majborough at the Dublin Racing Festival.
Because of the success rate enjoyed by Willie Mullins of late. Before the start of this year’s Cheltenham Festival, 11 of the last 17 Mullins-trained favourites sporting the aid had won.
