14:55 Leopardstown (IRE) 01 Feb 2025
Goffs Irish Arkle Novice Chase
Grade 1 | Class 1 | 5YO plus
Winner €90,000 - 6 ran
tracked leader, ran freely, led from 3rd, slight mistake 5th and pecked slightly 4 out, 3 lengths clear next, drew clear run-in, easily
soon led, headed 3rd, 2nd halfway, pushed along and no impression on winner approaching last, ridden and kept on one pace run-in
ran 5th, no impression 3 out, went moderate 4th early straight, no impression run-in and kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 4th after 4 out and no impression after 2 out, eased approaching last
always rear, pecked 1st, no impression before 3 out and no extra after 2 out
Betting returns
| Type | Winnings |
|---|---|
| CSF | €9.59 (6, 5) |
| Win | €1.73 (6) |
| Place | €1.10 (6), €2.80 (5) |
| Exacta | €7.50 (6, 5) |
| Trifecta | €18.80 (6, 5, 1) |
Expert Analysis
Quite a straightforward race to assess, once allowance for Ile Atlantique’s under-performance has been made, Majborough putting up a decidedly smart effort in accounting for a trio of useful rivals with comfort. It was mostly well-run, on ground that was objectively “good to soft”, the winner’s 56.44s for the final 4f (104.8% finishing speed) a testament to how well he finished off (fastest time from second-last in this race since 2019).
MAJBOROUGH (c161+ here, 156+ previously) is achieving all that was predicted for him over fences at the time of his Triumph win, and perhaps more besides, and his clash with 165-rated fellow 5yo Sir Gino in the Arkle Chase is set to be one of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival’s biggest draws. He led after the second and set a sound pace while occasionally jumping rather novicey (without looking like falling), shaken up between the last two and powering away on the run-in under little pressure. He could well go to the top in this game, but that applies every bit as much to Sir Gino at this stage.
TOUCH ME NOT (c150 here and previously) ran well again but was beaten more than twice as far by Majborough here as he had been by L’Eau du Sud at Sandown the time before, very useful but not quite in the top league. He led early then remained prominent, asked for full effort between the last two and sticking in there with a chance of sorts until the winner powered clear.
FIREFOX (c146 here, 149 previously) ran pretty well, a bit far back as things developed (not fluent 3 out) but making some headway until one paced late on.
JEANNOT LAPIN (c140 here, 141 previously) ran to a similar level as for his win at this track under a patient ride, closing a bit from going to 2 out then one paced late on. There could be better to come still.
ILE ATLANTIQUE (c126 here, 155 previously) ran poorly for no obvious reason, having beaten the third here by 5 lengths at Naas the time before, tracking the pace before some way back by halfway then finding little when finally asked and eased. He was reported to be post-race normal.
HERE COMES GEORGIE (c100 here, 130 previously)
