Red Mills sponsor Thyestes

Gowran Park today announced that Connolly’s Red Mills are to sponsor the Thyestes Chase on Thursday January 20th.

The Kilkenny venue's season highlight has a rich history and the new sponsorship will see this year's prize fund reach €90,000.

Former winners of the race include the legendary Arkle (1964), Hedgehunter (2004), and Numbersixvalverde (2005).

Last year the contest went to Whinstone Boy, trained by Jimmy Mangan, who will return this year to attempt to retain the title.

Commenting on the sponsorship, Gareth Connolly from Connolly’s Red Mills said: “We are delighted to announce our sponsorship of this prestigious race. The Thyestes Chase is an extremely important event in the racing calendar and we are very happy to be involved in racing at this level, as well as continuing our work at grassroots level to support the industry. We are looking forward to a great day of racing at Gowran Park on the 20th January."

Margaret Fogarty, General Manager of Gowran Park said: “We are very pleased that Connolly’s Red Mills will sponsor the 2011 running of the Thyestes Chase on January 20th here at Gowran Park. The company’s increased support for the racing industry is particularly welcome at this difficult time.

“Previous Thyestes Chase winners have come from a wide range of training operations – from large commercial training yards to family owned and operated smaller yards. This prize fund, generously supplemented by Connolly’s Red Mills, will be welcomed by owners, trainers and breeders.

“Currently with 55 entries from a broad handicap range, the 2011 Red Mills Thyestes Chase will be the feature race of a highly competitive card of true winter National Hunt racing and yet again may produce an Irish or UK Grand National winner later this year, repeating the history of dual winners Arkle, Brown Lad, Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde.”