'He would be our main one' - Gigginstown targeting Thyestes repeat with Coko

Gigginstown House Stud are responsible for ten of the 38 entries for the Goffs Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on January 27, with Eddie O'Leary nominating last year's winner Coko Beach as the number one chance for the powerful owners.

Successful with Champagne West in 2017, Henry de Bromhead is responsible for the topweight Chris's Dream, who heads the field off 162, with Gigginstown's leading novice chaser Run Wild Fred next best on 158. De Bromhead has also entered Ladbrokes Trophy disappointment Eklat De Rire and Full Time Score.

Along with Coko Beach and Run Wild Fred, Gigginstown have eight others to choose from, with O'Leary revealing the horses will be split between the Thyestes and the Leopardstown Chase at the Dublin Racing Festival.

Thyestes Chase entries

He explained: "Coko Beach would be the main one of ours for the Thyestes and anything that wants soft ground will be running here rather than at Leopardstown.

"Run Wild Fred will go on any ground. Scarlett And Dove and Milan Native need soft ground. Milan Native is a forgotten horse. He just hasn't sparked this season.

"We fancied Defi Bleu at Limerick but we don't know what happened and Death Duty really caught the eye at Leopardstown. He would have needed that badly and I'd be giving him a big chance. I'd love it if Diol Ker got in this, as he needs soft ground, but I don't know if he'll get in or not. I'm not sure if Torygraph will get in either. Those are the main ones of ours."

Gordon Elliott: has made ten entries in the Thyestes ChaseCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gordon Elliott has won the Thyestes twice, with Gigginstown’s Coko Beach and Monbeg Notorious, and also has ten entries, including Paddy Power fourth Braeside.

No one has a better record in the race than Willie Mullins and he has six possible contenders. The champion trainer has won the race eight times and in addition to Class Conti, third last year and runner-up to stablemate Total Recall in 2020, Mullins could call upon Brahma Bull, Franco De Port, Munster National winner Ontheropes, Agusta Gold and Stones And Roses.

Court Maid and Ex Patriot are other notable entries for local trainers Tom Mullins and Ellmarie Holden.

Gowran Park manager Eddie Scally said: “We are delighted to see such a strong entry for our Goffs Thyestes Chase, and I have no doubt that this season’s renewal will be as exciting as ever. It is wonderful we can welcome spectators back after last year’s behind closed doors event. Even with a limited capacity we are certain it will be a great day for all in attendance.”

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