Willie Mullins, a prominent figure in the world of horse racing, has announced that his promising horse Narciso Has will not compete in the upcoming Cheltenham Festival following a recent training issue. Owned by JP McManus, Narciso Has had established himself as the favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle after impressively securing victories at Leopardstown. His recent form suggested he had the potential to be a significant contender at the prestigious racing festival.

Since joining Mullins’s stable in May last year, Narciso Has showcased significant talent, recording two wins out of three starts. After a strong debut that saw him finish second in a Grade 3 event, he subsequently triumphed in both a Grade 2 race during the Christmas season and a Grade 1 competition at the Dublin Racing Festival. His consistent performances had positioned him as a horse to watch, especially with odds suggesting he was poised to make a substantial impact at the Cheltenham Festival.

Mullins had previously expressed confidence in Narciso Has, noting the horse's maturity for his age as a key factor in his promising future. The news of his withdrawal is disappointing for both the trainer and the horse's ownership, as he was being compared to other festival contenders, including Majborough, considered a front-runner in the Ryanair Chase. This setback underlines the unpredictability of horse racing and the challenges trainers face in maintaining their horses' fitness and readiness for competition.