Apple's Jade, Benie Des Dieux and Penhill head all-star cast for Galmoy Hurdle

A glittering cast of seven have been declared for Thursday's John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park (1.50), headed by superstar mares Apple's Jade and Benie Des Dieux.

The Gordon Elliott-trained Apple's Jade is making a quick reappearance following her Frank Ward Memorial Hurdle victory three weeks ago and will be bidding to enhance her Stayers' Hurdle claims.

Four-time Grade 1 scorer Benie Des Dieux will be making her first start since May and is on course for the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham, where she suffered final-flight agony last season.

Penhill: another big name heading to Gowran ParkCredit: Mark Cranham

Also in the field is Stayers' Hurdle hero Penhill while Elliott unleashes another leading contender in Death Duty. The classy nine-year-old has not been seen since falling in the Racing Post Novice Chase on Boxing Day 2017 and is a two-time winner at the top level.

The field is completed by Gardens Of Babylon, Killultagh Vic and Mary Frances.

Back-to-back winner Presenting Percy did not feature in the declarations, with connections opting to head for the Irish Gold Cup.

A field of 21 has been declared for the Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase (3.00), but 6-1 ante-post favourite Minella Till Dawn was a notable absentee. Willie Mullins' Acapella Bourgeois tops the weights and will be ridden by stable jockey Paul Townend.

Gigginstown have six runners in the valuable handicap, which has an 18-runner limit. Mick The Jiver, Out Sam and Solomn Grundy make up the reserves.

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