Racing

On His Own takes Thyestes Chase again as Mullins completes hat-trick at Gowran

On His Own will attempt to make it third time lucky in the English Grand National in April

Paul Townend onboard On His Own jumps the last to win the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park yesterday. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Paul Townend onboard On His Own jumps the last to win the Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park yesterday. Photograph: Morgan Treacy/Inpho
Thu Jan 23 2014 - 19:40

On His Own will attempt to make it third time lucky in the Crabbie’s Grand National in April after becoming just the third horse to win the Goffs Thyestes Chase for a second time at Gowran Park.

In doing so Willie Mullins drew level with Tom Dreaper, trainer of the mighty Arkle and Flyingbolt, in winning the famous race five times.

Ever since On His Own won this race two years ago his career has been based around trips to Aintree yet he has failed to get round in either renewal.

While he did at least complete the course in the Becher Chase in November, he never looked like winning but Mullins is not afraid of sending him back to Liverpool after he made every yard of the running under Paul Townend.

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Having been slightly below par over the larger obstacles this season, the Graham and Andrea Wylie-owned On His Own (12/1) went into the record books alongside Priests Leap and Wylde Hide as a dual winner.

Los Amigos gave favourite backers a good run for their money but was six lengths adrift at the line. Oscars Business was third with Balnaslow, a stablemate of the winner, fourth.

Mullins said: “I thought Vesper Bell’s form entitled him to win this so I advised Ruby (Walsh) to ride him.

“It’s great to win this race again as it’s our local track and I’m very pleased to equal Tom Dreaper’s record of five wins.

“Tom’s horses tended to be big chasing types and I imagine he’d have loved to train this lad.

“The Grand National has been his goal for the last two seasons and even though he has fallen twice it will have no bearing on whether he runs in it again. If you’re not in, you can’t win.

“I said to Paul I wanted to hear Des (Scahill, commentator) say that he jumped the first in front and he did, they were the only instructions I gave him.”

Mullins had earlier got the day off to a perfect start with a one-two in the Nugent Spirit 25 Horsebox Hurdle.

Impressive winner Abbyssial was given a 20/1 quote for the Triumph Hurdle by Paddy Power after coming home a length and a half clear of Noble Inn and the treble for Mullins on the day was completed by the impressive Black Hercules (5-6 favourite) who was cut to 7-1 favourite for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham by BetVictor.