Date: Friday 13th March 2026
The Triumph Hurdle is always one of the more intriguing races of the week, with lightly raced juveniles bringing a mix of strong form, potential and unknown improvement. It is a race where the market is often a good guide, but not always the full story.
The key trends remain consistent — winners are typically towards the front of the betting, arrive in strong recent form and already show a solid level of ability over hurdles. That said, the depth of the leading yards, particularly Willie Mullins, means it is never as straightforward as focusing purely on the obvious contenders.
Applying those trends to this year’s field highlights a strong group at the head of the market, but also points towards one or two at bigger prices who could easily outrun their odds.
TURF TALK RATINGS - LEADING CONTENDERS
| Horse | Turf Talk Rating |
|---|---|
| Maestro Conti | 220 |
| Apolon De Charnie | 214 |
| Minella Study | 209 |
| Selma De Vary | 202 |
| Highland Crystal | 196 |
| Proactif | 191 |
The ratings point towards a strong group at the top of the market, but also highlight one or two at bigger prices who are not far behind on the numbers and could easily step forward.
MAIN SELECTION
Maestro Conti (6/1 available)
He ticks the key boxes for a typical Triumph Hurdle winner — strong recent form, a solid rating and the right profile coming into the race. In a contest where quality juveniles usually rise to the top, he sets the standard on the figures.
With the race likely to be run at a good pace, his profile suggests he should travel well and be positioned to challenge at the right time. He represents a solid and reliable starting point in what is always a competitive renewal.
VALUE ANGLE
Apolon De Charnie (33/1 available)
At a much bigger price, this is one that makes plenty of appeal on closer inspection. Being part of the Willie Mullins team in a race like this is always a major positive, particularly given the depth of talent the yard tends to bring to the Festival.
He may not carry the same market confidence as some of the more obvious contenders, but his rating puts him much closer to the principals than the odds suggest. In a race where improvement is often the key factor, he has the profile of one who could take a significant step forward.
SECONDARY CONTENDER
Minella Study (13/2 available)
Another with a solid profile and strong enough form to suggest he should be competitive at this level. He brings consistency into the race and is likely to be involved at the business end if things fall into place.
He does not quite offer the same upside as the bigger-priced alternative, but remains one of the more dependable options in the field.
SUMMARY
This looks a typical Triumph Hurdle where the market is likely to guide us towards the right area, but there is enough depth in the race for something at a bigger price to get involved.
Main Selection: Maestro Conti
Each Way Value: Apolon De Charnie
Maestro Conti brings the strongest overall profile and sets the benchmark on the figures, while Apolon De Charnie stands out as the value play in the race, with the potential to significantly outperform his odds.
