Overview
- Kopek Des Bordes was not declared on Thursday for Saturday’s Goffs Irish Arkle at Leopardstown, ending plans for a Dublin Racing Festival return.
- Connections now aim the Supreme winner directly at the Singer Capital Markets Arkle Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on March 10.
- His Arkle price drifted to 5-1 from 3-1 with bet365, while Lulamba remains favourite at around 6-4.
- The Irish Arkle field was reduced to three—Romeo Coolio, Kargese and Downmexicoway—with Mullins relying on Kargese for the Grade 1.
- Owner Charlie McCarthy called the decision heartbreaking yet pragmatic as the horse has raced only once over fences, with commentators noting the rarity of tackling the Arkle on a second chase start and the limited prep options before March.