Paul Townend discusses his rides on Thyestes Day at Gowran Park

Thyestes Day is a massive day in this part of the Ireland and I am lucky to have four nice rides. I start by riding Voix Des Tiep in the 1.20 Maiden Hurdle.

We were disappointed that he got beaten in Limerick over Christmas by a stablemate of his.

He should’ve come on a good bit for the run that day but The Big Dog beat him in a bumper this time last year at Naas and I’m not sure how we are going to improve past him. He looks the one to beat here.

I ride Bapaume in the Galmoy Hurdle at 1.50. Presenting Percy is obviously the stand out horse here and we are all anxious to see him back.

We know what level he can run to and being realistic, it’ll be hard to beat him. My horse has been well beaten by Apple’s Jade on his two runs this year, but she does look exceptional.

I think my horse can improve again from Leopardstown and he’s going to have to if he wants to win in this competitive race.

Ruby Walsh has decided to ride Coquin Mans, who has a good rating. Limini looks well in down the bottom, but she’s had a lot of runs and was kept busy during the summer. Hopefully, we can get the better of ours.

On to the big one, the Thyestes Chase at 3.00. I’d a fine headache trying to get my head around what I was going to ride. It wasn’t a simple choice.

Ruby opted to ride Invitation Only and I found it hard to split the rest of them. I’ve gone for Up For Review.

He’s a course winner and he ran well there when beaten by Some Neck in a Beginners’, He’d been off the track for a very long time before that. He’s a horse who runs well fresh and the trip and ground shouldn’t be a worry for him.

I just think he could have a little bit more improvement in him and that’s why I went for him. The big field will also suit him. Invitation Only looks the smartest of ours.

He has a lot of weight but he’s not exposed so he could improve a little bit more. We have a nice racing weight and I’m happy with my decision and hopefully I’ll still be happy at around ten past three.

The Beginners’ Chase (3.35) is a hot race where I ride Duc Des Genievres. He was very keen over a bit further at Naas but he jumped very well that day.

He has the benefit of a run under his belt and dropping back to two miles will suit. Obviously Cilaos Emery is a very classy individual and will take a lot of beating here.

He ran to a higher level than us over hurdles but he did miss a bit of time and it looks a nice place for him to start back.

If he is missing a bit of match practice, we’ve had the run and will give them something to think about. Another one in there is our old friend Artic Fire.

He gave me a winner Cheltenham a couple of years back and although he’s pushing on a bit, he brings the highest level of form.

It’s a competitive card and it’ll be hard to get a winner but hopefully one will click and we will have an enjoyable day out.

Paul