Gowran's Thyestes Chase Card Under Threat After Heavy Rain: Inspection Set

Gowran's top-class Thyestes Chase card on Thursday is under threat with the track facing an inspection following heavy rain. The going is heavy and the course was reported as raceable on Wednesday lunchtime ahead of the Kilkenny venue's biggest day of the year. However, 22mm of rain has fallen in the last 24 hours and with more rainfall than originally anticipated still to come before raceday, officials will assess conditions at 4.30pm on Wednesday. Clerk of the course Paddy Graffin said: "Following a further 6mm of rain this morning, which is on top of 16mm of rain overnight, there will be an inspection at 4.30pm this afternoon. "Our forecast this morning was for 4mm of rain prior to racing, but that forecast has now changed and we've already surpassed the 4mm. There is now the possibility of a further 10mm of rain before racing. "In light of the current conditions and the updated weather forecast, we'll assess the situation with an inspection later today. At the moment the ground is heavy and raceable." The seven-race card is headlined by the Goffs Thyestes Chase (3.30), which was won last year by Grand National hero Nick Rockett. A full field of 18 is set to line up in this year's running. The meeting also features the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle (1.45), with Grade 1 winners Home By The Lee and Gerri Colombe, as well as last year's victor Rocky's Diamond, in the field. Read these next: Another superstar from the Willie Mullins pipeline? Gaelic Warrior's brother takes first step at Gowran 'Out of such sadness, such joy has been born' - the emotional journey that brought Nick Rockett to Aintree glory 'This is what she always wanted' - Nick Rockett provides poignant Thyestes success for owner as he remembers his late wife