Thyestes Chase runner-by-runner guide - 'He'll love the heavy ground' The Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park is one of the highlights of the Irish Racing Calendar and has been a trial for those set to run in the Grand National at Aintree, including last year’s winner Nick Rockett. This year the Thyestes is surely destined to live up to its billing and here's a rundown of the 18 contenders set to battle it out. Leading fancies and JP McManus representation Answer To Kayf The 10-year-old started this season emphatically with a good win over Yeah Man at Navan back in November. He’s up 9lb for that performance and can remain competitive. Better Times Ahead The only representative for JP McManus in the race could be the one to potentially set the standard having won well twice this season. He’s up to a mark of 131 but looks to be progressive. Captain Cody The 2025 Scottish Grand National winner appears to be the first-choice pick for the Mullins yard with Paul Townend set to take the reins. Wasn’t the best off of top weight last time out, but is the type to bounce back. Conyers Hill First time tackling this type of trip since his point-to-point days, and while he should have no issues facing the testing ground, all eyes will be on to see how he handles the distance. Established stayers and National form Harry Des Ongrais Henry de Bromhead won this race in 2024, and has the one runner in Harry Des Ongrais. He put in a respectable performance at Navan last time out over 2m4f and should come along well stepping back up in trip. High Class Hero Finished off last term with a good third in the Bet365 Gold Cup and ran well over a shorter trip on seasonal reappearance last time out. He could be a major player back up in trip. Intense Raffles The 2024 Irish Grand National winner disappointed in last year's Grand National at Aintree. However, the ground may have been too quick for him that day and these conditions will suit much better. Jordans Having finished behind Caldwell Potter in the Mildmay last season, he makes his long-awaited return to fences following two stints over hurdles this season. He’s another who steps back up in trip and is one to keep an eye on. Now Is The Hour He’s 0-9 over fences and isn’t always the most straightforward runner. He looked promising in last year’s National Hunt chase at Cheltenham. If he’s on song, he can’t be ruled out. Elliott challengers and yard preferences Pied Piper One of four runners for Gordon Elliott, he doesn’t arrive here in the best form. Kevin Healy claims 7lb, but much improvement is required for him to challenge. Quai De Bourbon Finished third in the Irish Grand National but was ultimately let down by his jumping. It’s hard to take a lot from his seasonal reappearance in the Troytown, but he’s a horse that retains a lot of ability and has the potential to go well. Search For Glory Jack Kennedy’s selection in the race arrives here off the back of two second-place finishes. His jumping can let him down at times, but he's the type who can remain competitive in this sphere. Shanbilly Kid There’s no question about this horse’s staying ability, having romped home at Punchestown by 15 lengths over an extended 3m 7f at the back end of last season. He may have just needed the run last time out and is one to keep an eye on. Shecouldbeanything Has held her own in some good races, including an eye-catching third in the Galway Plate. This could be a big ask for her, though. Spanish Harlem Won the Kerry National nicely back in September but lacked fluency in his jumping in the Coral Gold Cup last time out. There are a few question marks over whether the ground will suit, and he seems to be down the pecking order for the yard. Returning heroes and consistent types Velvet Elvis Last year’s runner-up was ultimately no match for the winner Nick Rockett but still finished 13 lengths clear of the field off a 2lb lower mark. He’ll love the heavy ground and can go well for new trainer John McConnell. Will do He can be inconsistent at times, and probably wants a little bit further than on display today. Finished sixth in this contest 12 months ago. Yeah Man Finished fourth in this race off 1lb lower last year and is the pick once again for Keith Donoghue. He’s had good preparation for this contest and can leave his mark once more.
