The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase, currently known for sponsorship purposes as the Ladbrokes Novice Chase, is a Grade 1 National Hunt steeplechase 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 name of Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase (initially including the word "Memorial") was introduced in 1998, at which time the race was classed at Grade 2 level. It was promoted to Grade 1 status in 2002. Since 2015 the race has been sponsored by Flogas Ireland Ltd and run for the Dr P. J. Moriarty Trophy.
Winners of the event sometimes go on to compete in the Brown Advisory Novices' Chase in March. Four horses have achieved victory in both races – Florida Pearl (1998), Cooldine (2009), Bostons Angel (2011) and Monkfish (2021).
The Willie Mullins-trained Faugheen became the oldest winner of the race in 2020, and went on to finish third in the Marsh Novices' Chase at the 2020 Cheltenham Festival
Records Leading jockey since 1989 (6 wins): Paul Townend – Citizen Vic (2010), Boston Bob (2012), Faugheen (2020), Monkfish (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022), Ballyburn (2025)
Leading trainer since 1989 (13 wins): Willie Mullins – Florida Pearl (1998), J'y Vole (2008), Cooldine (2009), Citizen Vic (2010), Boston Bob (2013), Ballycasey (2014), Outlander (2016), Faugheen (2020), Monkfish (2021), Galopin Des Champs (2022), Fact To File (2024), Ballyburn (2025). Kaid d'Authie (2026)
Winners Amateur jockeys indicated by "Mr". Year Winner Age Jockey Trainer 1989 Mirage Day 6 Mickey Flynn Michael Cunningham 1990 Cahervillahow 6 Charlie Swan Mouse Morris 1991 Firions Law 6 Kevin O'Brien Victor Bowens 1992 Mass Appeal 7 Charlie Swan Victor Bowens 1993 Flashing Steel 8 Richard Dunwoody John Mulhern 1994 Merry Gale 6 Kevin O'Brien Jim Dreaper 1995 Harcon 7 Kevin O'Brien Jim Dreaper 1996 Major Rumpus 8 Francis Woods Arthur Moore 1997 Dorans Pride 8 Shane Broderick Michael Hourigan 1998 Florida Pearl 6 Richard Dunwoody Willie Mullins 1999 Nick Dundee 7 Norman Williamson Edward O'Grady 2000 Native Upmanship 7 Conor O'Dwyer Arthur Moore 2001 Sackville 8 David Casey Frances Crowley 2002 Harbour Pilot 7 Paul Carberry Noel Meade 2003 Barrow Drive 7 Jim Culloty Tony Mullins 2004 Pizarro 7 Barry Geraghty Edward O'Grady 2005 Carrigeen Victor 7 Robbie Power Jessica Harrington 2006 The Railway Man 7 Davy Russell Arthur Moore 2007 Mister Top Notch 8 Conor O'Dwyer Davy Fitzgerald 2008 J'y Vole 5 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2009 Cooldine 7 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2010 Citizen Vic 7 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2011 Bostons Angel 7 Robbie Power Jessica Harrington 2012 Last Instalment 7 Davy Russell Philip Fenton 2013 Boston Bob 8 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2014 Ballycasey 7 Ruby Walsh Willie Mullins 2015 Apache Stronghold 7 Paul Carberry Noel Meade 2016 Outlander 8 Bryan Cooper Willie Mullins 2017 Disko 6 Sean Flanagan Noel Meade 2018 Monalee 7 Noel Fehily Henry De Bromhead 2019 La Bague Au Roi 8 Richard Johnson Warren Greatrex 2020 Faugheen 12 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2021 Monkfish 7 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2022 Galopin Des Champs 6 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2023 Mighty Potter 6 Davy Russell Gordon Elliott 2024 Fact To File 7 Mark Walsh Willie Mullins 2025 Ballyburn 7 Paul Townend Willie Mullins 2026 Kaid d'Authie 6 Mark Walsh Willie Mullins
See also List of Irish National Hunt races
References
Racing Post: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
pedigreequery.com – Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase – Leopardstown.