Triumph Hurdle Favourite Narciso Has Ruled Out of Cheltenham Festival

The Triumph Hurdle picture at the Cheltenham Festival has been dramatically altered with the news that leading contender Narciso Has has been ruled out due to a setback, confirmed by trainer Willie Mullins on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Setback for Mullins and McManus

Owned by JP McManus, Narciso Has had been the general 11/8 favourite for the Grade 1 juvenile championship event. The son of Doctor Dino had impressed with victories at Leopardstown and the Dublin Racing Festival, defeating stablemate Selma De Vary by four and a half lengths in his most recent outing as reported by RTÉ.

“He has met with a setback and unfortunately misses Cheltenham,” Mullins told Sporting Life according to the Irish Times. “We will have to see what it means for the remainder of the season, but for now he’s not going to make the trip to Cheltenham.”

Shift in the Triumph Hurdle Odds

With Narciso Has sidelined, Selma De Vary has now assumed the position of market leader. Another Mullins-trained juvenile, Proactif, also owned by McManus, is also a strong contender, having won at Fairyhouse in January as noted by RTÉ.

This defection marks the first major setback for the festival with just over two weeks remaining before the event begins the Irish Times reports.

Looking Ahead to Cheltenham

The absence of Narciso Has opens up the Triumph Hurdle, creating new opportunities for other contenders. All eyes will now be on Selma De Vary and Proactif as they prepare for the Festival, with trainers carefully monitoring their condition in the lead-up to the race.