Selma De Vary delivered a powerful Grade 1 victory at Auteuil, giving Paul Townend, Willie Mullins and owner Rich Ricci a notable result
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, Selma De Vary produced a memorable performance at Paris’s Auteuil to take the top-level contest. The daughter of Zarak, ridden by Paul Townend and trained by Willie Mullins, prevailed in the Grade 1 Prix Alain du Breil.
The race, commonly referred to as the French Triumph Hurdle, is contested over 2m 3f 85y and attracts the best juvenile hurdlers from across Europe. This victory added a prestigious international success to a season that had already shown the filly’s ability and resilience.
Selma De Vary carried the colours of owner Rich Ricci and went off at odds of 4/1. She edged out the 2/1 joint-favourite Delmegan to claim the prize, holding on in testing conditions that emphasized her determination.
For Mullins the result represented a return to the winner’s enclosure in this particular contest, a continuation of the stable’s recent success in France — Mullins had also won this top-class hurdle with Gala Marceau in previous years. The triumph at Auteuil is a clear sign of the filly’s upward trajectory.
The race and how it unfolded
The contest developed into a tactical affair where positioning and stamina mattered as much as raw speed. Townend settled the filly early, allowing her to travel comfortably while keeping her within striking distance of the leaders. In the closing stages she showed tenacity to fend off a late challenge from Delmegan, demonstrating that she handles pressure well. Observers noted that the going appeared to suit her running style, with the ground allowing her to get her weight behind her strides. The combination of racecraft from the rider and the filly’s willingness produced a finish that rewarded the connections’ confidence in bringing her to France.
Key moments and tactical choices
Critical phases of the race included how Townend managed the filly’s early enthusiasm and conserved energy for the final climb. Selma De Vary had shown in earlier starts that she can be headstrong, so the plan focused on teaching her to settle and pick her moments. That discipline was visible as she responded when pressure came, illustrating progress in her development. The ability to adapt to the unique contours of Auteuil — a circuit known for demanding jumps and rhythm — was decisive. These tactical adjustments transformed a promising juvenile into a Grade 1 winner.
Form, pedigree and progression
Selma De Vary has demonstrated consistent form through a handful of high-quality runs. Her campaign included a second on her Irish debut to Narciso Has, a fourth-placed effort in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, and a narrow runner-up finish to Mange Tout during Aintree’s Grand National meeting. That sequence shows she has handled different tracks and big-field atmosphere while learning with each outing. The mare’s pedigree — being by Zarak — hints at an aptitude for stamina-rich hurdles, and her recent performance at Auteuil has underlined that pedigree promise in a top-class setting.
Townend and Mullins perspective
After the race Paul Townend and Willie Mullins reflected on the filly’s improvement, particularly her willingness to settle and race more economically than in earlier festivals. Townend highlighted that the ground and the experience of racing at big meetings had helped her display her best attributes. Mullins’ team will view this Grade 1 as both validation of their training choices and as a foundation for future targets. The connections signalled satisfaction with the way she handled travel and stiff competition, suggesting she will remain a filly to watch as she matures.
Implications and what comes next
Winning a Grade 1 at an international venue like Auteuil boosts the filly’s profile and provides the stable with valuable pattern-race credentials. For owner Rich Ricci, the victory adds another high-level success to an already distinguished involvement in National Hunt racing. While the immediate domestic season for many trainers is winding down, this result opens options for Selma De Vary when the calendar resumes, whether that means staying over similar trips or stepping up as she continues to learn. Her combination of pedigree, experience and temperament makes her a compelling prospect for the months ahead.
Final thoughts
Selma De Vary’s win at Auteuil underlines more than a single great performance: it marks the arrival of a filly with the makings of a top-level hurdler. The blend of jockeyship from Townend, the training expertise of Mullins, and the ownership support of Rich Ricci culminated in a Grade 1 victory that will be replayed and analysed in racing circles. As she returns from France, selectors and racing fans will keep a close eye on how her career unfolds after this notable landmark.
