Constitution Hill fell for the second time in succession as Lossiemouth landed the Aintree Hurdle to seal a four-timer for trainer Willie Mullins on day one of the Grand National meeting.
The Nicky Henderson-trained favourite suffered a shock departure in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.
It looked as though he was travelling well for Nico de Boinville today – turning for home this time, although he was trying to find racing room.
But as De Boinville switched out to launch his challenge, Constitution Hill once again got his jumping wrong and hit the turf, leaving Lossiemouth and Wodhooh at the head of the field.
Paul Townend then seized the initiative on Lossiemouth and the pair won by two and three-quarter lengths.
It was the fourth win from the first four races on the day’s card for trainer Willie Mullins with Townend taking the ride on three of the four winners.
