Romeo Coolio held off a determined Kargese to land the 2026 Irish Arkle at Leopardstown in a tense two-horse finish. Gordon Elliott’s 4-9 favourite led most of the way in the two-mile-one-furlong Grade One, with outsider Downmexicoway detached early, leaving the contest to a straight fight between Romeo Coolio and Willie Mullins’ mare Kargese. Jack Kennedy kept Romeo Coolio on the front, and despite a late surge from Paul Townend aboard Kargese the winner prevailed by around half a length.
Elliott said the pace had been strong and that Romeo Coolio had needed every yard. He acknowledged the mare brought them all the way to the line and that his horse made a few mistakes but showed plenty of heart. He also admitted Kennedy may have briefly eased when he thought victory was secure. The trainer suggested a step up in trip is possible, noting the horse already has three Grade One wins and will be kept in consideration for both the Arkle and the Brown Advisory at Cheltenham, with a final decision to be made nearer the time. Romeo Coolio was cut to 5-1 for the Arkle at Cheltenham from 7-2 earlier.
Owner representative Dave Rabson praised the gelding’s courage and reminded that the horse was bought to be a stayer suited to big days and Grade One fences. Kennedy praised the horse’s jumping and toughness, saying a couple of mistakes had left them on the back foot but that the colt dug deep to see off a strong challenge from the mare.
Narciso Has confirmed his potential by winning the Gannon’s City Recovery & Recycling Services Juvenile Hurdle for Willie Mullins and owner JP McManus. Ridden by Mark Walsh and sent off even money, the four-year-old raced prominently over two miles and quickened away late to beat stablemate Selma De Vary by four and a half lengths, never looking in danger. Mullins highlighted the colt’s front-running manners, solid jumping and scope to improve into a chaser as he matures. Bookmakers shortened Narciso Has to about 7-4 for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Selma De Vary cut to around 7-1. Mullins added that Selma, having missed time, should progress and remains a possible Triumph contender, with longer-term targets including Punchestown and other spring festivals.
Doctor Steinberg remained unbeaten over hurdles with a commanding victory in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle. The Paul Townend-ridden Doctor Dino gelding, trained by Mullins, followed earlier wins at Galway and Navan to score by eight lengths over two miles six, taking control two out and pulling clear on very testing ground. Mullins praised the gelding’s stamina and toughness, noting his pedigree and how he seems to improve with trip and tougher going. Doctor Steinberg was shortened to 2-1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham over three miles, with connections encouraged by his progressive profile and physical scope.