Narciso Has dominates for Grade One honours

Narciso Has took the next step in his promising early career with victory in the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old was ridden by Mark Walsh for owner JP McManus as the even-money favourite and was always positioned to the fore in the two-mile Grade One.

As the field neared the closing stages he pulled into a considerable lead and was in no danger of being caught, securing a four-and-a-half-length win from stablemate Selma De Vary.

“It was a very nice performance, he did it the hard way from the front,” said Mullins.

“He settles lovely in front, jumps well in front and has enough for a kick at the end.

“He’s mature as well and looking at him I think he’s going to make into a nice chaser. He’s a fine, big specimen of a horse.

“I liked him from the first day that he came in. He was very green the first day that he ran, but he’s learning all the time.

“He had his two ears pricked going down the back the whole way. He seemed well within himself and well able to handle himself.”

Betfred make Narciso Has their 7-4 favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, with Selma De Vary halved in price to 7-1 for the same race. Of the runner-up, Mullins said: “She missed a lot of time and I think she’ll improve a good bit for that run.

“She was a little bit green going to the last. Paul brought her wide, he didn’t want to get involved with the others.

“I think she’s a filly that has a big future. She looked quite hot and we rode her out the back for that reason. I’m not sure whether Flat racing would enhance her ability at all. We’ll see, we’ll get through the season first.

“She looks like one for the Triumph as well and then possibly back to Punchestown. We could also go to the race in Fairyhouse, we’ll see.”