Romeo Coolio (4/9 favourite) won the third Grade 1 on Monday’s card, the Goffs Irish Arkle Chase.
Despite only three runners in the two-mile contest, it had a thrilling finish, with the Gordon Elliott-trained favourite just holding off Kargese (2/1) from the Willie Mullins yard.
Kargese, under Paul Townend, took the field around and was gaining at her jumps, with Romeo Coolio losing some lengths.
4-9F Romeo Coolio, for Jack Kennedy and Gordon Eliott, just held on at the line to repel a renewed effort from Kargese in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
📺@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/4yiwTuCZ7H— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026
The mare led into the home straight and it looked as though she was on her way to victory, as the Jack Kennedy-ridden favourite seemed to be struggling.
Romeo Coolio soon fought back, and took the lead, but the mare was not going to go down without a fight and battled all the way to the line, being denied by a neck at the winning post.
The outsider, Downmexicoway (22/1), under Seán O’Keeffe, was third all the way around and collected €15,000 for completing the course.
Jack Kennedy, Gordon Elliott and the winning connection react to Romeo Coolio's 'gutsy' victory in the Goffs Irish Arkle@LeopardstownRC #DublinRacingFestival #rtesport
📺@rte2 & @rteplayer pic.twitter.com/nnraYjmlam— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) February 2, 2026
