Gordon Elliott relieved as Romeo Coolio hangs on to win Irish Arkle

"I’d say Jack maybe idled a bit as well, he thought he was home and hosed," said Elliott. "He should have kept going, but thankfully we held on."

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.