Assessing Willie Mullins’ potential runners in the Triumph Hurdle

With an illustrious track record at the Cheltenham Festival, Willie Mullins stands as a towering figure in the world of National Hunt racing.

As the most successful trainer in the festival’s history, boasting an impressive tally of 94 winners, Mullins commands respect and admiration in equal measure.

His recent dominance in the Triumph Hurdle, having clinched victory in the last two renewals and three of the last four editions, underscores his formidable prowess in nurturing young talent.

As the anticipation builds for this year’s festival, all eyes turn to Mullins and his stable of stars — poised to leave their mark on the hallowed turf of Prestbury Park.

That said, let’s look at the Closutton handler’s potential runners in the Triumph Hurdle. 

Kargese – 5/1

Mullins’ leading hope of making it three wins in a row in this race appears to be Kargese, as she is the second favourite behind Sir Gino in the Triumph Hurdle Cheltenham 2024 market. 

The four-year-old filly had a solid start to life out in France, winning two of her three races over hurdles while trained by Donatien Sourdeau De Beauregard — including a Grade 3. 

Kargese was second on her maiden appearance for Mullins in the Grade 2 Dublin Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown on Boxing Day but won the prestigious Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle next time out. 

That form sets her in good stead for the Triumph Hurdle and her seven-pound fillies’ allowance could make a big difference against the boys. 

Majborough – 7/1

The lightly-raced Majborough is third in the Triumph Hurdle market, coming in behind Kargese with odds of 7/1. 

The four-year-old appeared just once in France, winning over the smaller obstacles at Auteuil last April while under the guidance of Daniela Mele. 

Despite being purchased by esteemed owner JP McManus and joining Mullins in November, Majborough didn’t make his debut until February in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle. 

The four-year-old was third, but less than two lengths behind his stablemate, and he could improve from that run — so it would be foolish to rule him out entirely. 

Storm Heart – 7/1

With Storm Heart also available at 7/1, Mullins’ potential runners make up three of the top four in the Triumph Hurdle race odds. 

The four-year-old had a decent spell on the flat in France, placing three times and winning on his fifth attempt at Mont-De-Marsan before being purchased by Gigginstown House Stud. 

He won by a commanding 22 lengths from Jeaniemacaroney in a Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown on his first showing for Mullins on New Year’s Day. 

That comfortable victory meant Storm Heart was considered the favourite for the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, but he was ultimately no match for Kargese. 

Storm Heart arguably has an excuse as he was keeping on when making a mistake at the last fence, and if he can jump more fluently, then he could have a chance perhaps. 

Other notable Mullins entries at this stage include; Anzadam (20/1), Bunting (20/1), and Salvator Mundi — who is currently priced at 25/1 despite not even making an appearance for the trainer at this stage.