By Dan Walsh
The first major steeplechase of the year – the Goffs Thyestes Chase – was run in heavy conditions at Gowran Park, Kilkenny, this afternoon and there was a dream victory on Now Is The Hour (8/1) for Eoin Staples, the 22 years old five-pound claimer from Duncormick.
It was a competitive race and victory was achieved by ‘a head’ and the second success of the day for Staples, who only turned professional last year. Staples also won the Adare Opportunity Handicap Hurdle on The Lovely Man (11/2). Both wins were for trainer Gavin Cromwell from Co. Meath.
Speaking to RTE, Eoin Staples said; “It’s unbelievable. I grew up looking at this race, I’m only from about an hour down the road in Wexford. It’s a big thing in the south-east.
“To get an opportunity to even ride in it is huge, but to go and win it is unbelievable.
“A big thanks to Gavin (Cromwell) and his owners for giving me an opportunity. He’s been supporting me well all year and to get a big one for him, I’m delighted to be able to pay back a small bit.”
It was a successful day for Wexford jockeys. JJ Slevin from Caim won the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle on Home By The Lee (3/1) for Joseph O’Brien and Tiernan Power Roche from Tomhaggard scored on Marelly (9/1) for Philip Rothwell in a handicap hurdle.
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