Racing first took place in the Gowran Park area of Kilkenny at Jenkinstown and Danesfort in the 19th century. However, the racecourse at Gowran Park, on the Annely Estate, is one of the most recent Irish courses, first opening its gates on Tuesday 16th June 1914. Full details of that inaugural meeting, which brought an end to a 15 year drought of racing in Munster, county Kilkenny, are shown below. Principal Stewards at the meeting were Lord Annaly and Captain Dermot McCalmont, while the Great Southern and Western Railway Company offered their full support. The course, offering both Flat and National Hunt racing, was made famous in 1952 when it became the first racecourse in Ireland to benefit from a racecourse commentary, with its most prestigious race, the Thyestes Chase Handicap over 3 miles 1 furlong in January, often used as a preparatory race for Cheltenham. The Handicap is named after Thyestes, who won his only 2 races as a Two-year old in 1930 before suffering an injury, retiring to Stud in Yorkshire. Initially the Thyestes trophy was donated by Major Dermor McCalmont to the Kilkenny Show where it was won by John McEnery of Rossenarra Stud. He, in turn, donated it to Gowran Park in 1954, and the Handicap trophy has been contested ever since. Both the mighty Arkle and Flyingbolt won the Chase prior to their Cheltenham successes. The course now boasts modern facilities which were completed in 2003. Currently the course hosts 16 fixtures annually.
Tally-Ho Plate (25 sovereigns) over 1 ½ miles
1. Willie Wagtail (2/1 jt fav) owned by Mr J J Parkinson and ridden by W J Parkinson
2. Speedy Joe (3/1) owned by Mr B Kirby and ridden by H Nuttall
3. St Expedite (2/1 jt fav) owned by Mr J J Slattery and ridden by L Brabazon
Kilkenny Plate (30 sovereigns) over 2 miles
1. Simon Rhu (1/2 fav) owned by Mr J Nugent and ridden by P Nugent
2. Bunclody (4/1) owned by Mr S Godfree and ridden by T Kelly
3. Vivala (4/1) owned by Mr E H Gregory and ridden by P Kiernan
Castle Plate (25 sovereigns) over 2 miles
1. Brian O’Lynne (1/6 fav) owned by Mr Joseph Widger and ridden by T Hurphy
2. Egyptian (4/1) owned by Mr M Foley and ridden by T Regan
Stewards Plate (25 sovereigns) over 3 miles
1. Steer Clear (4/5 fav) owned by Mr James O’Neill and ridden by P Kiernan
2. More Power (Evens fav) owned by Mr M G Hartigan and ridden by T Lyons
Committee Plate (25 sovereigns) over 2 miles
1. Lautus (4/6 fav) owned by Mr G Edwardes and ridden by M G Hartigan
2. Saintly Lady (5/2) owned by Mr J T Millett and ridden by M C McCarthy
3. Caerlaverock (10/1) owned by Mr B B Bellow and ridden by B Bellow
The inaugural running of the Thyestes Handicap Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was in 1954. A full list of winners is shown below:-
1954 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Prince of Devon (6/4 fav) trained by C Magnier and ridden by F Newman, beating Prince of Arragon (8/1) ridden by J Garey, with Colin Bell (100/7) ridden by J Walsh in third
1955 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Copp (10/11 fav) trained by Sleator and ridden by A Prendergast, beating Ballyscaddane (5/2) ridden by M McGee, with Royal Tan (5/1) ridden by Pat Taaffe in third
1956 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Sam Brownthorn (11/10 fav) trained by Vincent O’Brien and ridden by Tom Taaffe, beating Air Prince (100/6) owned by Mrs Clintock, with Brenair (11/2) owned by Mr Hawkins in third
1957 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Sandy Jane II (10/1) owned by Mrs P M Lamb, trained by P Murphy and ridden by F Shortt, beating Selwink (5/2 fav) owned by Mrs M Willington and ridden by Pat Taaffe, with Roddy Owen (4/1) owned by Lord Fingal and ridden by H Beasley in third
1958 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Copp ridden by H Beasley, beating Sandy Jane II and Sam Brownthorn
1959 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Slippery Serpent (11/2) trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, beating Zonda (4/1) and Mr What (6/4 fav)
1960 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Blue Moth (10/1) ridden by P Carroll, beating Nic Atkins (5/1) ridden by F Shortt, with Zonda (7/1) ridden by Pat Taaffe in third
1961 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Hunter’s Breeze (4/1) trained by A Bryce-Smith and ridden by F Carroll, beating Owen’s Sedge (9/2) ridden by C Kinane, with Mr What (10/1) ridden by T Hyde in third
1962 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Koro (6/1) owned by Mr F J Stafford, trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by L McLoughlin, beating Brown Diamond (7/1) ridden by C Finnegan, with Fortria (100/7) ridden by Pat Taaffe in third
1963 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by My Baby (6/1) ridden by F Shortt, beating Last Link (11/4 fav) ridden by P Woods, with Clementine (7/2) ridden by F Carroll in third
1964 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Arkle (4/6 fav) owned by Anne, Duchess of Westminster, trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe, beating Loving Record (4/1) ridden by Tom Taaffe, with Springtime Lad II (20/1) ridden by W Slattery in third
1965 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Fort Leney (5/4 fav) trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by L McLoughlin, beating Greek Vulgan (100/8) ridden by B Hannon, with Greatrakes (100/8) ridden by P Kiely in third
1966 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Flyingbolt (2/5 fav) owned by Mrs Jean Wilkinson, trained by Tom Dreaper and ridden by Pat Taaffe. Beating Height of Fashion (7/2) ridden by T Lacy, with Flying Wild (6/1) ridden by Tommy Carberry in third
1967 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Greek Vulgan (4/1) trained by Tos Taaffe and ridden by B Hannon, beating Corrie-Vacoul (15/2) trained by Willie O’Grady ad ridden by T S Murphy, with Talbot (5/1) trained by D J Morgan and ridden by F Shortt in third
1968 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Great Lark (8/1) trained by Willie O’Grady and ridden by T S Murphy, beating Alice Maythorn (13/2) ridden by R Coonan, with Tobraheela (3/1 fav) ridden by B Hannon in third
1969 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Greek Vulgan (8/1) trained by Tos Taaffe and ridden by B Hannon, beating Fort Sun (3/1 jt fav) ridden by J Crowley, with Little Moppet (3/1 jt fav) ridden by F Carroll in third
1970 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Smooth Dealer (5/1) trained by Willie O’Grady and ridden by F Shortt, beating Pet Jackdaw (20/1) ridden by R Durant, with Kertina (4/1) ridden by T Kinane in third
1971 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Money Goat (9/2) trained by Francis Flood and ridden by Tommy Carberry, beating No Other (3/1 fav) ridden by R Coonan, with Smooth Dealer (4/1) ridden by T E Hyde in third
1972 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Dim Wit (5/2 fav) owned by Mr Jerry O’Neil, trained by Francis Flood and ridden by M Curran, beating Beggar’s Way (14/1) trained by Pat Taaffe and ridden by B Hannon, with Esban (11/2) trained by P Murphy and ridden by J Cullen in third
1973 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Veuve (5/1) ridden by Arthur Moore, beating Tul-a-Slipper (20/1) with Macroney (9/2) in third
1974 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by The Godfather (14/1) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by S Barker, beating Spittin Image trained by Paddy Woods
1975 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Southern Quest (50/1) trained privately and ridden by S Shields, beating Lean Forward (7/2) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by P McLoughlin, with The Godfather (7/1) trained by V Keane and ridden by Tommy Carberry in third
1976 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Brown Lad (7/2) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Tommy Carberry, beating Prolan (3/1) ridden by M Morris, with Lough Inagh (9/2) ridden by P Townend in third
1977 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Bannow Rambler owned by Mrs Kathleen White
1978 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Kintal (10/1) trained by Paddy Woods and ridden by L O’Donnell, beating Brown Lad (9/4 fav) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Tommy Carberry, with Frantouri (7/1) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by T J Ryan in third
1979 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Tarthistle (25/1) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by T J Ryan, beating Tarquestral (10/1) trained by J Daly and ridden by Frank Berry, with Counsel Cottage (9/4 fav) trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by S Treacy in third
1980 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Secret Progress
1981 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by June’s Friend (25/1) trained by P Mangan and ridden by J Cullen, beating Kylough Lady and Mountrivers
1982 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Felicity’s Pet (25/1) trained by J G Murphy and ridden by P Gill, beating Ramrajya (9/1) trained by Michael Hourigan and ridden by G Newman, with The Mighty Mac (7/4 fav) trained by T Costello and ridden by Niall Madden in third
1985 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Seskin Bridge (11/2) ridden by M M Lynch
1986 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Monanore (5/1 co fav) owned by Mr J Meagher, trained by W Harney and ridden by T Morgan, beating Boyneside (5/1 co fav) owned by Mr P Moran and ridden by A Powell, with Lucisis (14/1) owned by Mrs H McParland and ridden by Frank Berry in third
1987 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Lucisis (100/30) trained by Francis Flood and ridden by Frank Berry, beating Last of the Brownies (10/1) trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Niall Madden, with Proud Bishop (3/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Tom Taaffe in third
1988 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Feltrim Lad trained by Patrick Griffin and ridden by P Connell
1989 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Olan Lad trained by Frank Lehane and ridden by M Flynn
1990 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Mweenish trained by John Webber and ridden by P Gill
1991 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Roc De Prince trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by Brendan Sheridan
1992 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Grand Habit trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Jason Titley
1993 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Zeta’s Lad trained by John Upson and ridden by Robbie Supple
1994 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Nuaffe trained by Pat Fahy and ridden by H O’Donovan
1995 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Wylde Hide trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Francis Woods
1996 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Wylde High trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Francis Woods
1997 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Couldn’t Do Better trained by Charlie Brooks and ridden by Graham Bradley
1998 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Letterlee trained by T Cahill and ridden by Shay Barry
1999 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Bob Treacy trained by Michael Hickey and ridden by Norman Williamson
2000 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Micko’s Dream trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Jason Titley
2001 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Bob Treacy trained by Michael Hickey and ridden by John Cullen
2002 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by This is Serious trained by Charlie Swan and ridden by David Casey
2003 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Be My Belle trained by Sean Tracey and ridden by Timmy Murphy
2004 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Hedgehunter trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by David Casey
2005 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Numbersixvalverde trained by Martin Brassil and ridden by Niall Madden
2006 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Dun Doire trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Paul Carberry
2007 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Homer Wells (16/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Davy Condon, beating Livingstonebramble (14/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Davy Russell, with Well Tutored (15/2) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2008 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Preists Leap (20/1) trained by Thomas Gerard O’Leary and ridden by Phillip Enright, beating Black Apalachi (12/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by R Loughran, with Newbay Prop (5/1) trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Johnny Farrelly in third
2009 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Preists Leap (20/1) trained by Thomas Gerard O’Leary and ridden by Phillip Enright, beating Chelsea Harbour (16/1) trained by T Mullins and ridden by Emmet Mullins, with Arbor Supreme (13/2) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Anthony McCoy in third
2010 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Whinstone Boy (5/1) trained by James Joseph Mangan and ridden by Sean Flanagan, beating Hangover (12/1) trained by Conor O’Dwyer and ridden by N J O’Shea, with Seigemaster (11/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2011 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Siegemaster (16/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Davy Russell, beating The Midnight Club (6/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Emmet Mullins, with Ballytrim (33/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Robbie Power in third
2012 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by On His Own (10/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by David Casey, beating Tullintain (12/1) trained by Robert Tyner and ridden by Phillip Enright, with Jadanli (50/1) trained by Paul John Gilligan and ridden by Robbie Colgan in third
2013 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Jadanli (25/1) trained by Paul John Gilligan and ridden by Andrew Lynch, beating Tarquinius (25/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Condon, with Panther Claw (8/1) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Mr M N Doran in third
2014 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by On His Own (12/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, beating Los Amigos (5/1 fav) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Oscars Business (12/1) trained by Robert Tyner and ridden by Phillip Enright in third
2015 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Djakadam (9/2) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating My Murphy (12/1) trained by W J Burke and ridden by Robbie Power, with Goonyella (8/1) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Jonathan Burke in third
2016 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by My Murphy (16/1) trained by Liam Burke and ridden by Robbie Power, beating Mala Beach (5/1 fav) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell, with Ucello Conti (11/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jacques Ricou in third
2017 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Champagne West (7/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by David Mullins, beating Ucello Conti (7/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Daryl Jacob, with Bonny Kate (13/2 co fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Sean Flanagan in third
2018 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Monbeg Notorious (7/2 fav) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, beating Wounded Warrior (25/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Adam Short, with Space Cadet (16/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Mark Enright in third
2019 The Thyestes Chase over 3 miles 1 furlong was won by Invitation Only (4/1 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Alpha Des Obeaux (20/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Mr R James, with Up For Review (10/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend in third
