Gowran gets ready for pinnacle of National Hunt Racing - the Goffs Thyestes Chase

Gowran Park Racecourse is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host the prestigious Thyestes Chase on Thursday, January 25, marking a highlight on the Irish National Hunt racing calendar. Nestled in the heart of County Kilkenny, Gowran Park Racecourse provides a picturesque backdrop for this premier event.

This historic event, sponsored for its thirteenth year by Goffs, promises a day filled with excitement, suspense, and the sheer thrill of top-class steeplechase action.

Taking place on a Thursday in late January just adds to the ambience as people take a day off work, and many children get time off school to attend. In fact, for years many local schools used to close as they knew attendance would be so limited due to the race day. You could say it’s a national day of celebration in Kilkenny.

A RICH HISTORY

The Thyestes Chase, named after a figure from Greek mythology, has a storied history dating back to its inaugural running in 1954. The race takes its name from the racehorse, Thyestes, named after a figure from Greek mythology. Thyestes, by The Tetrarch (out of Tetratema), was bred by Major Victor McCalmont of Mount Juliet and trained by Atty Persse at Stockbridge, Wiltshire. 

Over the years, it has become one of the most coveted prizes in Irish National Hunt racing, attracting top trainers, jockeys, and horses vying for glory.

This year's Thyestes Chase is expected to feature a stellar lineup of seasoned campaigners and rising stars from the National Hunt scene with Willie Mullins heading into double digits for his winning streak of the Chase.

The challenge of the Gowran Park course, known for its testing conditions, ensures that only the best will emerge victorious. Trainers will carefully select their entries, aiming to etch their names alongside the legends of Thyestes Chase history.

The Thyestes Chase is notorious for its unpredictability, and every year, it delivers unforgettable moments that live on in racing folklore.

BEYOND THE TRACK

While the focus is undoubtedly on the racing, the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park offers much more. The vibrant atmosphere at the racecourse, coupled with local food vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment, ensures a day out for everyone, from avid racing enthusiasts to families looking for a memorable experience.

The Thyestes Chase is not just a race; it is an event that brings the community together. Local businesses, volunteers, and racegoers contribute to the lively atmosphere, creating a sense of unity and shared excitement that defines the day.

As the countdown to Thyestes Chase 2024 begins, Gowran Park Racecourse stands ready to welcome racing enthusiasts from near and far. The event promises to be a celebration of the finest in National Hunt racing, with the added charm of Gowran Park's scenic surroundings and the warmth of the local community.

Don't miss your chance to witness the drama, athleticism, and sheer spectacle that the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park is renowned for. It's a date etched in the calendar of every racing aficionado, and this year's edition is set to be another unforgettable chapter in the rich history of Irish steeplechasing.

GOFFS THYESTES CHASE 2024

Last Wednesday marked the launch of Goff's 13th Thyestes Chase Day. Speaking at the ceremony Henry Beeby, Group Chief Executive of Goffs said “I don't need to tell everybody here what an iconic race day the Goffs Thyestes Chase is. It's a brand in its own right. The fact that it's remained midweek, I think is very important, makes it even more popular. It's always won by very good horses and I'm looking forward to getting Willie Mullins into double figures this year”.

“We are thrilled for our thirteenth year, and we've signed up for another four years as sponsor.”

He also joked, “when our marketing director said to me that we are signed up for another four years, I was very disappointed. Only four years, I thought we would be here forever!”

On a more serious note, he added, “Thyestes Day is wonderful for Goffs because it starts off the new year when we are launching our Store Sale campaign for the Goffs Arkle Sale. Thyestes Day allows us to interact with everybody and get to the right place at the right time with the right people. So, we're excited to be coming back and can't wait for a great day of racing.”

ARKLE

Goffs are synonymous with the history of Thyestes and have named their flagship sale after the champion racehorse Arkle. Arkle was a Goffs graduate and a three-time Gold Cup winner who is considered the greatest steeplechaser of all time by many.

The Thyestes Chase was won by Arkle in 1964 and he was led into the winner’s enclosure by the Duchess of Westminster, this was the same year Arkle won the first of his three Cheltenham Gold Cups.

Besides winning three consecutive Cheltenham Gold Cups (1964, 1965, 1966) and the 1965 King George VI Chase, Arkle triumphed in several other important handicap chases.

RECORD HOLDER

Willie Mullins, racings perennial champion is also the record holder in the Goffs Thyestes Chase with nine winners and hopefully reaching double figures on Thursday, January 25 next.

His first winner at the Goff Thyestes was Micko’s Dream (2000), followed by Hedgehunter (2004), Homer Wells (2007), On His Own (2012, 2014), Djakadam (2015), Invitation Only (2019), Total Recall (2020), and Carefully Selected (2023).

The dual winner On His Own and Djakadam were subsequently placed in several Gold Cups. Hedgehunter after winning Thyestes went on an Aintree Grand National

At Wednesday’s launch Mullins talked about how Thyestes is always a great race for pointing out decent horses.

“We like to have our good horses aimed for it. They just seem to perform here, and we've been very lucky at Thyestes. My father before me was too. It's the race we target all year into our Grand National/Gold Cup in a local facility.”

“It's been a very lucky track for us. We've been lucky enough to have a few winners here. My mother’s one and only day in the saddle on the racecourse was in Gowran and she won the first Lady's race here and retired after that!”

The leading trainer also commented on the economic boost Thyestes Day gives to Kilkenny.

EXCITEMENT

“There’s always great excitement in the build up to Thyestes Day. People come from all over the country and as Henry Beeby said earlier, it's a midweek fixture but people still take time off to come and stay in Kilkenny and the local area. It’s fantastic for all the vicinity, not just for the racecourse.”