Seven-time champion jockey backs legendary Kilkenny GAA name in Gowran showpiece
It's the biggest day of the year at Gowran Park and one of the truly special days in the National Hunt calendar. The Thyestes Handicap Chase tops the bill at 3.30pm at the Kilkenny venue.While the JP McManus-owned Better Times Ahead comes in as strong favourite with two wins under the belt already this term, there are a list of strong candidates.Seven-time Irish National Hunt Champion Jockey Paul Townend has chosen to ride Scottish National winner Captain Cody. And with a name like that around Kilkenny, Cody is sure to be well backed.Townend, speaking to Betway, has won the Thyestes twice in the last three years and believes it brings the county to a halt."The feature, the Thyestes Handicap Chase (15:30), is a huge race locally. I’ve lived near to Gowran for a long time now and if the Melbourne Cup stops the nation in Australia, this race does the same to Kilkenny – it stops the county," Townend told Betway."Until you live around the place and witness it, it’s hard to believe. Even people that don’t follow racing locally, follow the Thyestes and go and support that day."It’s a big deal around us at home. It’s been a lucky race for me, I’ve won it two of the last three years and the year in between I came second.It’s a typical open renewal and it’s going to be heavy ground. It’s a competitive race and I don’t think there’s any ‘stand-out’ horse in it," added Townend with the track sure to be heavy after passing an inspection on Wednesday."In such a stamina test I’ve gone for Captain Cody. He’s got two runs under his belt already this season – including a brilliant run when third in the Grade 1 Drinmore, over a trip way too short for him."His run at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn’t too bad either. This extended three-miles will definitely suit him, although horses towards the top of the weights might find it tougher on this ground. It’s going to be a slog of a race. We’ve had a lot of rain, and it’s forecast to keep raining."One of the obvious dangers in opposition is Better Times Ahead down the bottom of the handicap for trainer Robert Tyner. He’ll stay the trip, is unbeaten this season and has a featherweight on his back – with Mark Walsh doing 10st 5lb. Closer to home, High Class Hero has top weight, but he’s a classy individual. Quai De Bourbon’s run in the Irish National was also very good, but he was pulled up at Navan on his reappearance this season."Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the latest sports news, headlines and top stories
