Gowran Park - The Thyestes Chase

The Thyestes Chase

The Thyestes Chase starts the year in January with a steeplechase, the Thyestes, which has been won by three time Cheltenham Gold Cup Winner Arkle (1964) and Aintree Grand National winners Hedgehunter (2005) and Numbersixvalverde (2006). Thyestes, named after a figure from Greek mythology, was by The Tetrarch (out of Tetratema) and was bred by Major Victor McCalmont of Mount Juliet and trained by Atty Persse at Stockbridge, Wiltshire. Thyestes was rated 3rd best two year old of 1930 as a result of his winning his only two races. The National Breeders Produce Stakes over 5 furlongs at Sandown Park and the Rous Memorial Stakes over 6 furlongs at Goodwood. Thyestes never ran again due to injury and was retired to stud in Yorkshire. The Thyestes trophy was presented to Kilkenny Show by Major Dermot McCalmont for a 5 year old likely to make a good hunter. The trophy was won by a horse owned by Mr John McEnery of Rossenarra Stud. Kells. County Kilkenny and ridden by his son Martin. The McEnery family then presented it to Gowran Park for the first running of the Thyestes in 1954.