A photo finish gives the Arkle his third successive win in the Leopardstown Chase in Dublin.
Arkle owned by Anne Grosvenor, Duchess of Westminster wins his third victory at the Leopardstown Chase over his three rivals, Packed Home, Height O'Fashion and Splash. It was not one of Arkle's more spectacular victories. He was much heavier than each of his rivals in very heavy going.
The holding ground prevented Arkle from getting away in his usual style and the victory was a close call. The champion had to be pushed out by jockey Pat Taaffe to fend off the mare Height O'Fashion. The result was decided by a photo-finish, the first occasion in which Arkle has been involved in a photo for a win. Height O'Fashion came second with Arkle's stable companion Splash in third place.
Given the circumstances, Arkle ran a good race and the result has not impaired his Cheltenham Gold Cup chance.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 1 March 1966. The footage shown here is mute.
