Gordon Elliott relieved as Romeo Coolio hangs on to win Irish Arkle
Jack Kennedy onboard Romeo Coolio holds off Paul Townend onboard Kargese to win the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Steeplechase. Pic: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Just three runners went to post for the Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase but what the race lacked in quantity it more than made up for in drama.
As anticipated, it was obvious from an early stage that outsider Downmexicoway would be no match for 4-9 favourite Romeo Coolio and 2-1 shot Kargese and the classy pair traded blows throughout an absorbing contest.
When things started to get serious, the mare looked to be getting the better of the argument but Romeo Coolio’s stamina then kicked in and he forced his way to the front after the last to establish what looked a decisive two-length lead.
However, he then began to idle for Jack Kennedy prompting Kargese to rally for Paul Townend and she got mightily close but Romeo Coolio held on by neck.
“The mare had us at it,” Gordon Elliott admitted. “Our lad needs every bit of the trip, he was flat out. He made a few mistakes but he’s very gutsy and he digs deep. He pulled up when he got to the front then and I was glad the line came when it did.
“I’d say Jack maybe idled a bit as well, he thought he was home and hosed. He should have kept going, but thankfully we held on.”
Romeo Coolio has two options at Cheltenham — the Arkle and the Brown Advisory — and Elliott hinted he is now more likely to tackle the longer contest.
“I wouldn't be shocked to see him stepping out in trip now. He has three Grade Ones won now so everything else is a bonus. He'll be in both races (the Arkle and Brown Advisory) and we'll make our mind up at the time which is the right race to go for.”
Kennedy said: “We went a very strong gallop. My lad's jumping was unbelievable until the ditch down the back and he just made two little mistakes then. I was on the back foot really the whole way from there.
“I suppose his stamina kicked in down to the last and he probably got a bit lonely in front. To be fair to the mare, she was good and hardy to get back at him.”
While Willie Mullins won the other three Grade Ones on the Irish Gold Cup card, Elliott had a treble of his own, the middle leg provided by Jacob’s Ladder who justified 2-1 favouritism in the Barberstown Castle Handicap Chase before 18-1 shot Broadway Ted sprang a surprise in the bumper.
Of Jacob’s Ladder, Elliott said: “I was a bit worried about the ground being so soft but I’m happy, it was a good performance. I’d imagine he’ll go straight now for a handicap at Cheltenham, all being well.”
Broadway Ted was a big price for the DRF finale but he dug deep to land the spoils in the hands of Barry O'Neill.
“He’s a pacey horse, he works very well, and it was a good performance,” said Elliott. “We have a lot of nice horses and we’re absolutely delighted. To get five winners is unbelievable and we’re delighted.”
Philip Fenton was the only trainer not called Gordon Elliott or Willie Mullins to saddle a winner on day two of the DRF, Saint Le Fort scoring at odds of 10-1 in the Race And Stay At Leopardstown Handicap Hurdle.
