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Paul Townend seeking Thyestes treble with Willie Mullins-trained Captain Cody

Paul Townend is looking forward to attempting to land his third Thyestes Handicap Chase in four years, as he partners the Willie Mullins trained Captain Cody.

by
The Racing Ahead Team
22 January 2026

Paul Townend riding Monkfish (right) at Gowran Park

By Kieran McHugh

Paul Townend is looking forward to attempting to land his third Thyestes Handicap Chase in four years, as he partners the Willie Mullins trained Captain Cody.

Betway ambassador Townend won the race last year with Nick Rockett, who went on to land the Aintree Grand National.

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Captain to sail through attritional Thyestes course?

Captain Cody won the Scottish Grand National last year and after two races this season, Townend is hoping his mount will overcome the testing conditions at Gowran Park.

“He’s got two runs under his belt already this season – including a brilliant run when third in the Grade 1 Drinmore, over a trip way too short for him,” said Townend.

The champion jockey continued: “His run at Leopardstown over Christmas wasn’t too bad either.

“This extended three-miles will definitely suit him.”

The race means a lot to Townend, having lived near Gowran and he knows how much the ‘race that stops a county’ means to the locals.

Townend remarked on his ‘lucky’ race, saying: “If the Melbourne Cup stops the nation in Australia, this race does the same to Kilkenny – it stops the county!

“Even people that don’t follow racing locally, follow the Thyestes and go and support that day. It’s a big deal around us at home.”

Funiculi Funicular to rise to new peak?

Before the main event, Townend takes the ride on Funiculi Funicular in the Beginners Chase (14:55), sticking with the six-year-old after his performance at Naas.

He was third that day but Townend believes his mount can take the next step up, saying: “He’s a horse that hasn’t had a whole lot of racing, and I just think that can improve him a little bit.

“I’ve always liked him a lot and, with the ground in mind, his win in Clonmel this time last year was on soft ground, and he won that by a long way.

“My lad was there down to the last at Naas and I think he can step forward from it.”

You can read more about Paul Townend’s thoughts on his three rides and why he has his eye on Gerri Colombe in his Betway insider column.