A bumper field of 22 have been declared for the opener on the final day of the 2026 Cheltenham Festival. Long-term ante-post favourite Narciso Has is the notable exception after picking up a knock, but Willie Mullins still remains in pole position.
Willie Mullins seeking a fifth consecutive Triumph Hurdle
The Irish have largely dominated this race in the last ten years and Mullins bids to continue that trend. Proactif is unbeaten in two starts, having won at Auteuil and Fairyhouse latterly on yard debut. He had to dig deep to beat Macho Man, but is more than likely to come on for that effort. Rich Ricci has won this with Lossiemouth and Vauban of late, and Selma De Vary looks potentially smart. The Zarak filly was second to leading hope Narcisco Has on yard debut, creating a smart impression. She came from an unfavourable position, and already brings plenty of experience from France.
Five other juveniles were declared from Closutton as the dominant force seek to uphold their strong Triumph Hurdle record.
Unbeaten Brits to spoil the Irish party
Maestro Conti and Minella Study have done nothing wrong to suggest they can’t serve it up to the Irish here. The former is
three-from-three over hurdles, creating a good impression on yard debut at Kempton. He then won the Grade 2 Triumph Trial over course-and-distance in January, with that form franked by the fifth.
Minella Study is also three-from-three over hurdles though brings a different profile to that of Maestro Conti. Formerly with
John Nallen, he’s already proven in a big field after winning a 14-runner Tipperary Maiden Hurdle. A listed winner on hurdles debut for Adam Nicol, he looked very smart when bolting up over C&D in December. He holds Maestro Conti on a line through the third, and the second filled the same spot in the Boodles on Tuesday.
Gordon Elliott looking for a third Triumph Hurdle
Gordon Elliott has won just two Triumph Hurdles, including with Tiger Roll, and declares just the one bullet to fire. Crystal Ocean filly Highland Crystal is another three-from-three over hurdles. A 14 length winner on debut, she backed that up in listed company at Newbury, a race Elliott won with Wodhoo in 2023. Highland Crystal then won at Naas in February, beating subsequent Boodles winner Saratoga giving him 7lbs.
The £600,000gns buy Fantasy World is yet to justify her price tag in two starts over hurdles, who was 13 lengths behind the re-opposing One Horse Town in the Adonis.