News & Media

If you were designing the perfect race meeting, a single day-event on a Thursday at the end of January would certainly not be the first idea to come to mind.

But the Goffs Thyestes Chase is the exception to the rule. An historic race whose most famous winner is the greatest steeplechaser of them all.

Gowran Park in Kilkenny is preparing for the 2025 Thyestes Chase, some 71 years since the race was first run.

For general manager Eddie Scally, there is no question that as much as it is an anomaly in the calendar, the Thyestes Chase always delivers:

He said: “It’s the one day that everybody just loves. Everybody in the area is just really proud of it. 

“If you look at Irish racing, they are all three-day events or four-day events. This is a standalone day at the end of January on a Thursday. 

“Everything that could be wrong about trying to run an event is there but people love it and we are very proud of it.”

Arkle is the most noteworthy champion in the race’s history. He was first past the post in 1964 two years before stablemate Flyingbolt, there have been a host of memorable winners of the race down the years.

More recently, Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde triumphed in Gowran Park in 2004 and 2005, each going onto win the Aintree Grand National the following year.

A quartet of horses have triumphed over the 17 fences on two occasions – Wylde Hide (1995 and 1996) and Priests Leap (2008 and 2009) doing so back-to-back, while Bob Treacy (1999 and 2001) and On His Own (2012 and 2014) did so with a year’s gap.

Coko Beach, who won this race in 2021, could join that select group at the 2025 renewal, although Gavin Cromwell-trained Yeah Man is the ante-post favourite with Nick Rockett not far behind as Willie Mullins seeks to add to his record nine wins at Gowran Park.

Glengouly is another Mullins entry, having finished two-and-a-half-lengths back a year ago to Henry de Bromhead’s Ain’t That A Shame, ridden by Rachael Blackmore.

If history holds, that would make Glengouly a strong candidate for the win, with previous winners often triumphing having previously come close.

And while the Goffs Thyestes Chase is unquestionably the day’s main event, there is plenty more to keep a close eye on during an action-packed Thursday – notably the Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at 2.13.

Add in Mickey Joe Harte & After Dark, who will perform in the O’Driscoll’s Whiskey Party marquee after racing has wrapped up, and little wonder the crowds just keeping coming back to Gowran Park.