Romeo Coolio had an excessive amount of for the gallant Kargese in a rollercoaster 2026 version of the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown.
Gordon Elliott’s 4-9 favorite was certainly one of solely three horses within the two-mile-one-furlong Grade One occasion, with the outsider Downmexicoway indifferent from an early stage.
It was successfully a match between the market chief and the Willie Mullins-trained mare Kargese, with Romeo Coolio finally getting on prime within the palms of Jack Kennedy, just for Kargese to rally beneath Paul Townend and shut proper to the road, which in her case got here half a size too quickly.
“They went a good gallop, the pedal never came off. They went very fast,” stated Elliott.
“Our lad wants each little bit of the journey, he was flat out. The mare had us at it. He made a couple of errors, however he is very gutsy and he digs deep. He pulled up when he acquired to the entrance then and I used to be glad the road got here when it did.
“It will be fascinating to see what Jack says. I would say Jack perhaps idled a bit as nicely, he thought he was house and hosed. He ought to have saved going, however fortunately we held on.
“They are great lads and big supporters of Cullentra. This horse was bought to be a stayer, we’re hoping he’ll go the whole way.”
Romeo Coolio was eased to 5-1 from 7-2 for the Arkle at Cheltenham, and of future plans Elliott added: “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. The lads are from the UK so they are very keen to have a runner in Cheltenham.
“He’ll be in each races (the Arkle and Brown Advisory) and we’ll make our thoughts up on the time which is the proper race to go for.”
Dave Rabson, of owners KDTA racing, added: “He is proven his bottle once more. In case you have a look at the 2 races, right here and at Christmas, simply after the second-last you are going ‘we’re in a little bit of bother right here’ after which he exhibits you what he is acquired.
“Three Grade Ones this year, he’s a proper horse now. This is what we bought him for, to go over proper fences, for big days, for Grade Ones and the boss has given us three. He’s probably even par for this year with me!
“We’ll sit down. Dave (Web page), Mouse (O’Ryan) and myself will give our opinions after which Gordon will inform us what we’re doing!”
Kennedy told RTE2: “We went a really sturdy gallop. My lad’s leaping was unbelievable till the ditch down the again and he simply made two little errors then. I used to be on the again foot actually the entire manner from there. I suppose his stamina kicked in right down to the final and he most likely acquired a bit lonely in entrance. To be honest to the mare, she was good and hardy to get again at him.
“He does (have the heart of a lion), he is very tough.”
Narciso Has dominates for Grade One honours
Narciso Has took the following step in his promising early profession with victory within the Gannon’s Metropolis Restoration & Recycling Companies Juvenile Hurdle.
The Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old was ridden by Mark Walsh for proprietor JP McManus because the even-money favorite and was all the time positioned to the fore within the two-mile Grade One.
As the sphere neared the closing phases he pulled into a substantial lead and was in no hazard of being caught, securing a four-and-a-half-length win from stablemate Selma De Fluctuate.
Narciso Has justified favouritism at Leopardstown
“It was a very nice performance, he did it the hard way from the front,” stated Mullins.
“He settles lovely in front, jumps well in front and has enough for a kick at the end.
“He is mature as nicely and him I believe he’ll make into a pleasant chaser. He is a superb, massive specimen of a horse.
“I appreciated him from the primary day that he got here in. He was very inexperienced the primary day that he ran, however he is studying on a regular basis.
“He had his two ears pricked going down the back the whole way. He seemed well within himself and well able to handle himself.”
Bookmakers make Narciso Has their 7-4 favorite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, with Selma De Fluctuate halved in worth to round 7-1 for a similar race. Of the runner-up, Mullins stated: “She missed a lot of time and I think she’ll improve a good bit for that run.
“She was a little bit bit inexperienced going to the final. Paul introduced her large, he did not need to become involved with the others.
“I think she’s a filly that has a big future. She looked quite hot and we rode her out the back for that reason. I’m not sure whether Flat racing would enhance her ability at all. We’ll see, we’ll get through the season first.
“She appears to be like like one for the Triumph as nicely after which probably again to Punchestown. We might additionally go to the race in Fairyhouse, we’ll see.”
Doctor Steinberg far too good
Doctor Steinberg maintained his perfect record over hurdles with a comprehensive victory in the Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle.
Hot on the heels of wins at Galway and Navan, where he accounted for subsequent Grade Two winner Thedeviluno, the Willie Mullins-trained Doctor Dino gelding again demonstrated his liking for obstacles when galloping home eight lengths clear in the hands of Paul Townend.
Yeshil made the early running, but the 7-4 favourite took up the running two out and quickly put the race to bed, with Kazansky staying on for second.
Physician Steinberg proved too good beneath Paul Townend
“It was very impressive on that ground, it’s very tough,” stated Mullins. “Every time we’ve gone up in trip he seems to like it. He’s out of a Cyborg mare and that’s all stamina.
“I believe we purchased two off Walter [Connors] that yr, Kopek Des Bordes and this fella, so it is a 100 per cent report in Grade Ones which is improbable.
“It was probably going to the last the first time before he relaxed. There was a horse up his backside everywhere he went and he was very free, but he kept galloping. The fact that could pull like that and still be galloping at the end of two-miles-six on very tough ground.
“We thought he was a summer time horse first so he goes on all kinds of floor, however he appears to be higher when he has harder circumstances.”
Doctor Steinberg shortened to 2-1 favourite for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle over three miles at the Cheltenham Festival and Mullins added: “He does the whole lot proper.”
