It is the biggest day of the year at Gowran Park on Thursday as the track hosts the prestigious *Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase (3.10)*, worth a huge €100,000 in prize-money.
The last two winners of the race, On His Own and Djakadam, have gone on to finish second in the Cheltenham Gold Cup two months later so this year’s winner certainly has big boots to fill.
The Willie Mullins-trained Ballycasey, who will be ridden by Ruby Walsh, is currently fighting it out for favouritism with Mala Beach from the Gordon Elliott stable at around the 7-1 mark.
Last year’s runner-up My Murphy is back for more, while The Job Is Right, who would have been second to Djakadam 12 months ago but for coming down at the last is also in the line-up. It is a cracking contest and one not to be missed.
The *Grade 2 John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (2.00)* has attracted a high-quality field of five and the outcome could have a big bearing on the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Last year’s Albert Bartlett hero at the Cheltenham Festival, Martello Tower, once again locks horns with Alpha Des Obeaux, while the presence of Briar Hill and British raider At Fishers Cross makes it a race to savour.
The seven-race card at Gowran Park begins at 12.55 and the going is heavy.
Race Card
12:55 – Ladbrokes Hurdle
1:25 – Langton House Hotel Maiden Hurdle
2:00 – John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2)
2:35 – Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle
3:10 – Goffs Thyestes Handicap Steeplechase (Grade A)
3:45 – PMF Accountants Beginners Steeplechase
4:20 – P.J. Foley Memorial Flat Race
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