2026 Gowran Thyestes Meeting Tips – DS
2026 Gowran Thyestes Meeting Preview
We have already backed Intense Raffles for the big one and the rain has come for him. The 33s is now long gone, hopefully he bounces back to top form. I also like another couple of bets at decent odds at the 2026 Gowran Thyestes meeting, find out who I am backing each way below.
1.45 – Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2)
The ground is going to be like a bog at Gowran tomorrow. The favourite, Staffordshire Knot, has improved massively on his last two starts and he won’t have any issue on the ground. His best form is on right handed tracks too so he certainly seems to have plenty in his favour.
Last year’s hero, Rocky’s Diamond, is back to defend his crown. That win came on soft-to-heavy but whether he wants it as testing as it is going to be on Thursday is another question. Gerri Colombe also has plenty of questions to answer as he returns to hurdling for the first time since January 2022 at the age of 10 in first time cheekpieces.
Home By The Lee was beaten a cumulative distance of 40l on his two previous starts on heavy ground so he doesn’t make a whole lot of appeal either so it might be worth taking a chance on Declan Queally’s second contender, Mozzies Sister.
Wonderfully Consistent
This wonderfully consistent mare has plenty to find on the figures but there is a chance that the step up to 3m on bottomless ground could spark more improvement. The furthest trip she has tackled under rules was 2m7f at Limerick in December 2024 on yielding to soft and she stayed on well for a 4.25l second behind The Big Westerner.
Her sole point to point start on heavy ground saw her win by twelve lengths so she certainly looks worth a go at this sort of trip. Alex Harvey, on board for her sole win at Wexford in October, takes the ride but whether she is Queally’s second string here is up for debate. She carries 10st 10lb and the lowest weight Queally has done in the past twelve months is 11st 3lbs, so maybe he would have picked her if he could.
You’d imagine Queally will be pretty positive on Rocky’s Diamond and Mozzies Sister will likely be waited with. I think this race could fall apart given how testing the ground is and hopefully, Harvey can pick up the pieces late in the day if it does. This mare has finished in the first two in 11 of her 14 runs under Rules, hopefully she can make it 12 from 15 at odds of 22/1.
2026 Gowran Thyestes meeting Tip: Mozzies Sister e/w @ 22/1
2.20 – Langton House Handicap Hurdle (0-100)
Back in 2023 we landed a beautiful touch in this race with our 33/1 NAP Listenheretomejack. When I was studying this year’s renewal before the odds were released, I thought Westoftignes looked a fascinating runner for Adrian Murray. The drop back to 2m on heavy ground at Navan brought about a much-improved display last time out and he could do better still on just his fourth handicap start. However, odds of 9/1 are just a shade too short for this blog.
Instead, at much bigger odds, I am going to take a punt on the 11 race maiden, Chesterbaylad. This 5yo is by Ribchester and his last run at Down Royal was arguably his best yet. Yes, he was beaten 10.5l into ninth but he made up plenty of ground from the back, he didn’t get the clearest of runs and he was only 3l behind the third at the line.
That run came over 2m1f on yielding ground and my main angle for backing this horse is the potential for improvement on heavy ground. He has yet to race on ground this testing but he is a half-brother to three winners, including Golden Lyra (1m4f Listed winner on heavy), Going Gone (placed on heavy) and Sir Callisto (placed on heavy).
His sire, Ribchester, has had seven winners from 37 runners on heavy ground (19%) so on breeding, there is a pretty decent chance this ground will suit. Shane Markey has had two previous rides for this yard and has placed on one of them and with his 7lb claim, Chesterbaylad will be carrying a feather weight. He isn’t one to be having the farm on but at odds of 28/1, a small e/w interest is advised.
2026 Gowran Thyestes meeting Tip: Chesterbaylad e/w @ 28/1 (5 places)
3.30 – Goffs Thyestes Chase (Grade 3)
We have already backed Intense Raffles for the race that stops a county (you can read why here). The ground will be in Tom Gibney’s charge’s favour and he is now into 10/1 with most firms. I am happy to stick to my guns with him, hopefully he can rediscover his mojo.
