My Murphy Set To Defend Thyestes Title My Murphy is on course to defend his crown in the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park later this month. Liam Burke's charge ran out a game winner of the big prize last year and was also second to Djakadam in the 2015 renewal. The 11-year-old made his return to action over timber at Punchestown on New Year's Eve when making little impression behind Supasundae. Burke admits that the gelding's form can be hit and miss and revealed that his charge has been hunting in an effort to stimulate his enthusiasm. "We're going to the Thyestes again with him. He has run well in it the last two years," said Burke. "He's got a bit clever, I'm afraid, and looks after himself but if he switches on on the day he'll run a good race. "I had no other choice than to give him a run over hurdles last time. He ran twice in the Paddy Power and ran stinkers. The race just doesn't seem to suit him for whatever reason. "I thought time was getting short so decided to give him a run in a hurdle race. "I had hoped to go to Navan last month but the ground was too good so I couldn't go there. "We had him out hunting the other day so hopefully that might sharpen him up and we might get him out again. "Hopefully he'll be able to run well in it again. He's in good order."
