Barberstown Castle Novice Chase (Grade 1)

HIS jumping didn’t always totally convince, shifting out to his left at times, but Majborough still never really looked like being beaten on his way to a 14-length Grade 1 win to wrap up his season on a high.

The deeply impressive Irish Arkle winner came unstuck with sketchy jumping late on at Cheltenham - burning many multiples in the process - but there wasn’t anything like the same drama here.

Ridden positively by Mark Walsh, the imposing five-year-old grabbed the race by the scruff of the neck and was in the clear at the top of the straight. The final margin was 14 lengths, with Only By Night sticking on gamely in a bunched finish for second over Jesse Evans and Brookie.

Willie Mullins was winning this Grade 1 for a record-extending 12th time, and Majborough was joining a roll of honour that includes Un De Sceaux, Douvan, Footpad , Chacun Pour Soi, Energumene, El Fabiolo and Il Etait Temps.

Speaking after bringing up his 200th winner of the season in Ireland, Mullins said: "He’s always been inclined to do a little left shuffle when he’s not sure of himself, but as long as he knows what he’s doing, I don’t really care!

“He's well over 17 hands, a huge horse. From the moment he stepped off the lorry at home, I thought he could be some article. Looking at Fact To File and then at him, I was thinking there are similar attributes - they’re tall, long athletes with a huge stride and great jumps. He's only five and a summer's grass will really make him mature strong.

"I'd imagine you'd have to look at the Champion Chase possibly, but he could go up in trip either. I think he’s easy enough to ride."

Bookmakers responded by cutting Majborough to 7/1 (from 10/1) for next year’s Champion Chase, while he was tightened up to 8/1 (from 10/1) for the 2026 Ryanair Chase.

Walsh added: “He has some engine. He always jumps a little bit left but he’s never jumped that badly left. It’s the first time he’s went that badly left while going right-handed.

“If you could just iron them out he has some ability, some engine. He’s still a baby and when he got to the front he started pricking his ears and looking round him. When he grows up he’ll be a good horse!”

Beaten reaction

Gavin Cromwell, trainer of Only By Night

“I thought she was going to finish fourth or fifth, but she knuckled down and dug deep. It was a good run - it would have been very hard to beat a very good horse like him. He has a massive engine. Our mare is possibly a little better than she showed today; she’s had a long year. I suppose she’ll probably step up in trip, which might be ideal anyway with the Mares’ Chase over a little further. She’s had a great season. That result means we’ve also broke the €2 million barrier in prize money, which is a nice milestone. Last year was the first time we ever broke €1 million, so we’re delighted with that.”