Arkle was the greatest steeplechaser of all time. His record of 22 wins from 26 starts over fences only tells part of the story. He ran in and won three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups despite fierce rivalry from another fine horse, Mill House. What made Arkle exceptional was his ability to carry massive weights, giving many, many pounds away to other horses, only to trounce the opposition. For example, one of his greatest triumphs came at Sandown Park in the Gallaher Gold Cup, where second placed Rondetto had a whopping sixteen pounds advantage. Even with this he couldn't stay with the mighty Arkle who cruised to victory, slicing seventeen seconds off the course record in the process.

Sadly his great career was brought to a premature end as a nine year old, an age where many chasers are just reaching their peak. He pulled up lame in that year's King George Chase and was never able to race again. The biggest star ever to grace the chasing game was lost forever. Arkle was trained by Tom Dreaper in Ireland. He was ridden in all his steeplechases by Pat Taffe.