Fewer Grade 1 jumps races in Ireland in 2024 as Racing Post Novice Chase is axed

Facile Vega ridden by Paul Townend jumping the last fence to win The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase

Facile Vega: favourite for this year's Racing Post Novice ChaseCredit: Caroline Norris

There will be fewer Irish Grade 1s in 2024 as Horse Racing Ireland attempts to improve the competitiveness of the top-tier jump races and the Racing Post Novice Chase at Leopardstown's Christmas festival has been axed as part of the revamp.

The move means there will be only two Grade 1 novice chases in Ireland over the festive period next year instead of three, with the Faugheen Novice Chase at Limerick over 2m3f and the Neville Hotels Novice Chase at Leopardstown over 3m being kept on the calendar.

As a result, the Irish Arkle, won last year by El Fabiolo, will be the only Grade 1 novice chase over 2m1f before the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 20 December 2023inIreland

Last updated 20:00, 20 December 2023

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