The Gowran Park will present a competitive seven-race National Hunt meeting at the County Kilkenny track on Thursday, with a balanced programme of hurdles, steeplechases, and a closing bumper scheduled through the afternoon. Racing will be set to begin at 12:40 and conclude at 16:05, with prize money ranging from €10,000 to €100,000 across the card.
The meeting will open at 12:40 with The Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle, a two-mile contest worth €20,000. Champagne Jury, Ifallgoeswell, Colin’s Friend, Eagle’s Quest, and Fabhcun will be expected to line up in a maiden that will offer an early opportunity for unexposed hurdlers to make their mark.
Stamina will come into focus at 13:10 in The Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle, run over 2m7f110yds for €15,500. Joyau De Thaix, Ontheropes, Portnacoo, The Lovely Man, and West Cork Wildway will be among the runners set to contest a race that will place an emphasis on endurance and consistent jumping.
The feature hurdle on the card will follow at 13:45 with The John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle (Grade 2) over 2m7f110yds, carrying prize money of €45,000. Home By The Lee, Rocky’s Diamond, Franciscan Rock, Gerri Colombe, and Staffordshire Knot will form a strong field in one of Gowran Park’s most established graded contests.
Handicap hurdles will return at 14:20 with The Langton House Hotel Handicap Hurdle, staged over two miles and worth €10,000. Just For One, Rackemandstackem, Space Warrior, Marelly, and Mickey Hulie will be expected to compete in a race that will reward accurate pace judgment and positioning.
Attention will then shift to chasing at 14:55 with The Daly Farrell Accountants Beginners Steeplechase, a 2m4f contest for €12,500. Butch Cassidy, C’est Ta Chance, Funiculi Funicula, Harvard Guy, and Haveigotnewsforyou will be set to take on beginner conditions as they continue their development over fences.
The highlight of the afternoon will arrive at 15:30 with The Goffs Thyestes Handicap Steeplechase (Grade C), run over 3m1f and offering €100,000 in prize money. High Class Hero, Intense Raffles, Quai De Bourbon, Answer To Kayf, and Captain Cody will be expected to contest a demanding staying chase that traditionally places a premium on stamina and sound jumping.
The card will conclude at 16:05 with The P.J. Foley Memorial Flat Race, a two-mile contest worth €10,000. Huntin Boots, Hygge, Our Trigger, Ballygorey Ruby, and Infinity Success will represent the next generation of National Hunt prospects in the closing bumper.
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