Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase 2026 Preview: Key Runners, Trends & Betting Angles
The race that stops a county, the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase, takes centre stage at Gowran Park on Thursday afternoon, with 18 runners set to line up for this year’s €100,000 contest. The Grade 3 feature is scheduled for 3.30 pm and will be live on RTÉ 2 and Racing TV. The ground at Gowran is currently described as Heavy with an inspection due to be held at 4.30 pm on Wednesday afternoon due to heavy rainfall. However, the track is described as raceable, so fingers crossed. UPDATE: Racing goes ahead following inspection.
Mullins Dominance Continues at Gowran Park
Last year’s renewal was won by Nick Rockett, trained by Willie Mullins, who went on to claim the Aintree Grand National in April. The Champion Trainer has landed five of the last ten runnings of the Thyestes and is once again strongly represented, with five confirmed runners this year. That number could increase to six should Uncle Pat gain a run as a reserve.
Mullins already holds the record as the most successful trainer in Thyestes history, having lifted the trophy ten times, and he will be eager to extend that remarkable tally.
Captain Cody Leads a Strong Mullins Team
Captain Cody, winner of last season’s Scottish Grand National, played a key role in helping Mullins secure back-to-back British trainers’ championships. The Ayr hero heads the Closutton contingent, with Paul Townend booked to ride.
The Champion Jockey will be hoping for a strong gallop to aim at, with Captain Cody likely to be ridden patiently from off the pace. Stablemates High Class Hero and Spanish Harlem look likely to ensure a solid tempo, while the potential inclusion of Cork National winner Lonesome Boatman would further strengthen the pace angle. Lonesome Boatman is currently first reserve for trainer Sean Joseph Allen.
JP McManus, Mark Walsh and the Favourite
JP McManus has been in the headlines recently after confirming that Harry Cobden will become his retained jockey from next season. Cobden missed out on the winning ride aboard Jonbon in Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot, having been stood down after an earlier fall.
McManus’s long-time number one, Mark Walsh, is yet to comment publicly on the announcement, but he takes the ride on race favourite Better Times Ahead in the Thyestes.
Better Times Ahead Targets a Valuable Hat-Trick
Better Times Ahead bids to complete a valuable hat-trick, having followed up a 3-mile hurdle win at Fairyhouse in November with victory in the BAR 1 Betting Porterstown Handicap Chase at the same venue last time out.
That contest was run over the Irish Grand National track and trip of 3m6f, and with heavy ground expected at Gowran Park, that proven stamina is a major positive for supporters of the favourite. Like Captain Cody, Better Times Ahead is another who may be delivered late off a strong pace.
McManus won this race just two years ago with Ain’t That A Shame.
Key Trends and Statistics
Trends remain an important guide in the Thyestes:
- Six of the last 23 runnings have been won by the favourite
- Nick Rockett returned at 9/2 joint-favourite when winning last year
- 13 of the last 23 winners carried 10st 9lb or less
- 16 of the last 23 winners were aged nine or younger
Better Times Ahead ticks plenty of boxes. The 9-year-old, trained by Robert Tyner, carries 10-5 (131) and fits the dominant age and weight profile well.
Troytown/Thyestes Double Bid
One of the most intriguing storylines this year is the bold Troytown/Thyestes double attempt by Answer To Kayf. Trained by Terrence O’Brien, the 10-year-old gelding is reported to be in good order 67 days on from his Navan success, although he has been hit with a 9lb rise for that victory.
High Class Hero and the Gigginstown Challenge
High Class Hero shoulders the top weight of 11-12 (152) under Danny Mullins, who enjoyed a notable success with a 125/1 winner at Down Royal earlier this week. The Mullins-trained runner was placed at the highest level over hurdles and remains lightly raced over fences, with just five chase starts to his name.
Quai De Bourbon, third in the Irish Grand National, needs to bounce back after being pulled up in the Troytown. He is one of three Gigginstown runners, with Search For Glory and Will Do completing the team. The latter pair are trained by Gordon Elliott, who also saddles Pied Piper and Shecouldbeanything, with Beaufort Scale entered as a reserve.
The Gigginstown colours were last carried to Thyestes glory in 2021, when Coko Beach landed the prize for Elliott.
Elliott and Cromwell Runners Assessed
While Gordon Elliott enjoyed a prolific Christmas period, recent weeks have been quieter, with just two winners from his last 65 runners.
Gavin Cromwell, however, is always a trainer to respect in major Irish handicaps and is represented by Yeah Man and Now Is The Hour. Yeah Man has plenty of experience at this level and was beaten just over two lengths by Answer To Kayf in the Troytown. He is now 5lb better off with that rival.
With Keith Donoghue booked to ride, Yeah Man looks the stable’s leading contender, despite both Cromwell runners being closely matched in the betting.
Conclusion
More than 50% of Thyestes winners in the last 23 runnings have come from the top three in the betting, and it is difficult to look beyond Better Times Ahead and Captain Cody this time around.
Both runners should benefit from a strong pace and are proven in testing conditions.
LATEST PRICES
Latest prices for the 2026 Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase will be available on site from approximately 8 pm on the evening before the race, with overnight prices guaranteed on all single and multiple bets across Irish and UK racing, both in-shop and online.
