And tee off! For Goffs Thyestes Chase Day 2023 in Kilkenny

Racing enthusiasts from all over Ireland will descend upon Gowran Park Racecourse for the time honoured Goffs Thyestes Chase on Thursday, January 26.

This week, ahead of the flagship meeting, some of the biggest names in Irish racing were joined by friends to launch the 2023 Goffs Thyestes Day with a golf competition in Gowran Park.

Some of the people taking to the fairways included hurling stars TJ Reid, Micheal Fennelly and Paddy Mullan, Champion jockey Paul Townend, former grand national winners David Mullins and Niall Slippers Madden, and TV pundits Kevin O' Ryan and Fran Berry, and a host of trainers, bloodstock agents and sponsors. The round was finished off with the nearest the pin challenge on the ninth hole where all attendees battled it out with the winner’s identity not being revealed until Goffs Thyestes Day when they will be presented with the trophy live on RTE.  

A list of Thyestes winners reads like a who's who of Irish jump racing stars - from Arkle to Hedgehunter from Flying Bolt to Djakadam. It really is 'where a horse becomes a legend'. The feature race on the day is due to go to post at 3.25pm and is supported by six other races most notably the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle with a €40,000 prize up for grabs in this staying hurdle contest.

The Thyestes has long been recognised as a steppingstone for the Aintree grand national and The Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle as a stayer’s hurdle trial for Cheltenham. Entries are always top class on the day and racing fans are sure to be treated to some top-class National Hunt racing. 

“Goffs Thyestes Day really kick starts our season in Gowran Park and we really appreciate how racing people from far and wide support this day every year in their thousands," says Gowran Park General Manager Eddie Scally.

"The Goffs Thyestes Chase is this region’s biggest & most iconic race where horses, trainers and jockeys have the chance to put their name in the history books. We love to see our winners go on to challenge for Grand Nationals and Gold Cups, but I always remember Ruby Walsh after winning on Invitation Only being asked what next for the horse? His reply was simply 'I don’t know, and I don’t mind, he’s won a Thyestes' - this for me just sums up what the Goffs Thyestes Chase means to the racing world."

Henry Beeby Group CEO Goffs said Goffs is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park. 

"Goffs Thyestes Day is a real highlight of the Irish National Hunt calendar, mixing highly competitive steeplechasing with a race day experience like no other," he said. 

"Many of the biggest names in National Hunt have won the Thyestes over the years, including the most famous Goffs graduate of all time in Arkle, and so this is the perfect platform for Goffs to launch our inspection period for the market-leading Land Rover Sale. 

"We love working with Eddie Scally and the team at Gowran Park who do such a fantastic job each year and look forward to another Goffs Thyestes thriller in just over two weeks’ time”.

The Goffs Thyestes Chase takes place at Gowran Park Racecourse on Thursday, January 26. Gates Open at 10.30am with the first race going to post at 1.05pm.

Early bird Tickets are available at online at  www.gowranpark.ie  priced at €20 for adults and €15 for OAP/Students. Group discounts are available by contacting Gowran Park on 056 7726225. Courtesy buses will run from Kilkenny Castle Gates at 10.30am on the day and return one hour after the last race.