The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase is a Grade 1 National Hunt chase in Ireland which is open to horses aged five years or older. It is run at Leopardstown over a distance of about 2 miles and 5 furlongs (4,225 metres), and during its running there are fourteen fences to be jumped. The race is for novice chasers, and it is scheduled to take place each year in February.
The first version of the race was established in 1989, and during its early years the event was known by various titles. The present name (initially the "Dr P. J. Moriarty Memorial Novice Chase") was introduced in 1998, at which time the race was classed at Grade 2 level. It was promoted to Grade 1 status in 2002.
Winners of the event sometimes go on to compete in the RSA Chase in March. Three horses have achieved victory in both races – Florida Pearl (1998), Cooldine (2009) and Bostons Angel (2011).
Read more about Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase: Records, Winners
Famous quotes containing the words novice and/or chase:
“A novice was sitting on a cornice
High over the city. Angels
Combined their prayers with those
Of the police, begging her to come off it.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)
“At last these two stout erles did meet,
Like captaines of great might;”
—Unknown. Chevy Chase (l. 121–122)