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Renowned racehorse owner Rich Ricci has revealed that he has placed a hefty bet on one of his rivals for the Cheltenham Festival.
The millionaire banking mogul has a remarkable roster lined up for next March’s premier event.
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Lossiemouth is currently the favorite for the Champion Hurdle, while Gaelic Warrior appears set to compete against Jonbon in the Champion Chase.
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However, it’s in the Triumph Hurdle for juveniles where Ricci has already made a substantial wager.
Betting enthusiasts were keenly anticipating Willy De Houelle’s debut under trainer Willie Mullins.
The French newcomer was being touted as ‘the next superstar of racing‘ following just two outings in France.
Still, he fell short of expectations, finishing second at 1-4 in a Grade 3 hurdle at Fairyhouse to the 33-1 outsider Naturally Nimble.
Piloted by Paul Townend, Willy De Houelle led after the second last but was passed in the final stretch and couldn’t regain his pace in time.
Following his performance, bookmakers swiftly altered their odds, pushing him from a previous 6-1 favorite for the Triumph.
Ricci mentioned in a conversation with Matt Chapman on his Unbridled YouTube show that he quickly took advantage of the 20-1 odds, believing the horse would perform much better in his next race.
When asked if he would accept 16-1 on the three-year-old following that race, Ricci replied: “I took the 20s right after the race!
“I think his form in France is very solid.
Rich Ricci discusses what lies ahead for Lossiemouth
“On that day, the pace was too quick, and he’ll benefit from that experience.
“Willie is quite confident that if the race were run again, he’d take it.
“I haven’t lost my confidence in him just yet – we’ll see what happens in his next race, which is set for Christmas.”
Ricci further confirmed that the plan is for the exceptional mare Lossiemouth to contest the Champion Hurdle rather than the Mares’.
The striking grey displayed an outstanding performance, easily defeating Teahupoo in the Hatton’s Grace.
She is currently listed as low as 15-8 for the day one feature, potentially setting up one of the most exciting battles if all top contenders compete.
Nicky Henderson’s Constitution Hill – anticipated to challenge Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton – is currently best priced at 4-1 as he makes his return to racing.
The defending champion State Man is quoted as high as 9-2 for another title bid, while Sir Gino, also owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, stands at 6-1, although it seems he will target the Arkle.
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