'It's a huge blow' - Willie Mullins considers reshuffling the pack as he rules State Man out for the season

The 2026 Champion Hurdle lost one of its biggest names on Wednesday when State Man, winner of the race two seasons ago and set to retain his crown when falling at the last in March, was ruled out for the season.

One of the most underappreciated horses of the modern era, State Man was a 4-1 shot to win another Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, only to suffer a tendon injury on the gallops.

Willie Mullins told the Racing Post: "It's a huge blow to everyone in the yard and to the Donnellys, as well. He has won so many Grade 1s for us and he turned up every single day, apart from at Leopardstown last Christmas. That was the only day he didn't show up, but otherwise he has been flawless really and Paul [Townend] always said you can set your watch by him. Horses like him don't come around too often.

"It's hugely disappointing but that's the sport we're in. You've got to really enjoy the good days, because things like this can happen in the blink of an eye." 

When asked about what impact State Man's absence might have on the rest of his hurdling team, Mullins replied: "We'll obviously have to reshuffle our pack now and I'm not sure yet who will go to the Morgiana instead of State Man. We have quite a few entries in there and we'll have to see who fits the race best over the next week or two. There are a few decisions that will need to be made soon." 

The news saw State Man’s stablemate Lossiemouth promoted to 7-2 joint-favourite for the Champion Hurdle alongside The New Lion, whose trainer Dan Skelton confirmed on Wednesday that his exciting youngster remained on course for this month’s BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle.

The Unibet Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on November 22 was set to be State Man's starting point again this season and the eight-year-old was 1-3 favourite with the sponsors to win it for a third time.

• WATCH: Who wins the 2026 Champion Hurdle? David Jennings has his say

Mullins does have six other entries in the Grade 1, including the unbeaten Anzadam, who also has the option of taking on Constitution Hill and The New Lion a week later in the Fighting Fifth.

Grade 1 winner Irancy, who inflicted a first defeat on Kopek Des Bordes at the Punchestown festival last April, is also a Morgiana entry, as are Lossiemouth, Kargese, Salvator Mundi and Winter Fog for a race Mullins has won 13 times.

William Hill spokesperson Lee Phelps said: “Following the news that State Man has been ruled out for the season, Lossiemouth has been cut to 7-2 from 6-1.

Lossiemouth: has been cut for the Champion Hurdle following news of State Man's injuryCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

"State Man’s injury has also caused small moves for stablemate Anzadam and Constitution Hill, with the Fighting Fifth sure to make the picture clearer with a view to the festival.

"With the Champion Hurdle now looking a more likely destination for Lossiemouth, she may not be back to defend her Mares’ Hurdle crown and we’ve pushed her out from 2-1 to 3-1. Gordon Elliott’s Wodhooh is the new market leader."

Skelton is delighted with The New Lion, who won what looked a strong Turners Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival last season.

The New Lion: "in grand form" ahead of his Champion Hurdle campaignCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The trainer said: "We're really happy with him and we're looking forward to the Fighting Fifth. He's in grand form, so we're just waiting to get him on to our grass gallop next week. We took him to Worcester the other day so he could have a day out and we were happy with that. Everything has gone quite smoothly and there's not a day he's missed.

"I'm really excited to get him back out and it's a pleasure to have horses like that. He comes out of the novice league and we're going to have to step up to Constitution Hill's level. We hope he can and we're working towards making sure he can, but the racecourse is the true test.

"We're under no illusions as to how hard it'll be at Newcastle and beyond, so it's why we've got to get him in the best shape we can, and we're heading that way."

Unibet Champion Hurdle (4.00 Cheltenham, March 10)
Unibet: 3 The New Lion, 7-2 Lossiemouth, 6 Anzadam, Constitution Hill, 11 William Munny, 16 Wodhooh, 25 Salvator Mundi, Irancy, 33 bar.

Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle (2.40 Cheltenham, March 12)
William Hill: 5-2 Wodhooh, 3 Lossiemouth, 5 Jade De Grugy, 10 Kargese, 14 Kateira, Murcia, 16 Brighterdaysahead, 20 bar.

Read more . . .

Lossiemouth, Anzadam or something from left field? Which of these Willie Mullins stars is best placed to fill the State Man void? 

Where is the Champion Hurdle value with State Man out for the season? Robbie Wilders eyes up a 33-1 chance 

Could red-hot Dan Skelton be set for a huge Paddy Power meeting? We take a look at his leading contenders at Cheltenham 

Here comes the sun - and there go the hurdles: Cheltenham’s Sunday highlight could face another bright dilemma 

Sign up to receive On The Nose, our essential daily newsletter, from the Racing Post. Your unmissable morning feed, direct to your email inbox every morning.