Siegemaster (IRE), in the Gigginstown Stud colours of Michael O’Leary landed a much deserved success under Davy Russell in the Red Mills Thyestes Chase at Gowran Park on Friday. The Dessie Hughes trained chaser has run many honourable races in defeat in the top staying chases of recent years and ran on courageously to beat the Willie Mullins trained pair of The Midnight Club (IRE) and Ballytrim (IRE) in the €90,000 contest. Hughes was thrilled with the 10yo commenting; “He was upsides with Whinstone Boy at the last in this race last year and was a lot better off at the weights with him today. We’ll probably look at the Irish National for him now.” Siegemaster is certainly bred for the job, being a son of Lord Americo and Shabra Princess making him a half brother to recently retired top chaser Our Vic. He was bred by Col WB Mullins.

The aforementioned Col Mullins’ namesake Willie Mullins had better fortune earlier in the day when Mourad (IRE) hacked up in the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle. Judged on his smooth six length beating of Moskova and Oscar Dan Dan, Mourad could provide stiff opposition to Big Bucks and Grands Crus in the World Hurdle in Cheltenham which will be the improving 6yo’s next mission.  Mourad, by Sinndar out of Mouramara was bred by HH the Aga Khan and he won twice on the flat for John Oxx before being bought by Bobby O’Ryan on behalf of current owners Teahon Consulting Ltd for £80,000.