Nick Rockett is an emotional winner of the Thyestes Chase
Paul Townend and Willie Mullins celebrate with owner Stewart Andrew and connections of Nick Rockett after winning The Goffs Thyestes Handicap Steeplechase Photo: ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Nick Rockett landed a tenth Thyestes Chaese for trainer Willie Mullins but it was an emotional occasion for owner Stewart Andrew.
He owned the horse with his wife Sadie but she sadly passed away just a few days after his first run in December 2022.
From Goresbridge, it was always Sadie's wish to win the Thyestes and Englishman Stewart was overcome with emotion following the success.
"Sadie were a local lass from Goresbridge and Nick were her horse but sadly she died in December 2022. Fortunately, under much pressing from Sadie, we were able to get a run into Nick I think five days before she passed away so she got to see him run in his first bumper," he said.
"He's been a fantastic servant for us and done everything for us. Willie will probably have a plan for him and we'll see where we go but today that was the plan, to win it, and to win local for Sadie means so much more, it's unbelievable. It's such an inner feeling of consolement to me because it's what she always wanted, and now it's been delivered thanks to this man," said Andrew as he pointed out Willie Mullins.
"There will be a lot of celebrations locally tonight," said Mullins. "Sadie's family are from all around here so it's a dream come true."
The Thyestes has often been a good indicator of an Aintree Grand National horse in the past and that could now be plan for Nick Rockett too.
"That would be fantastic," said Andrew.
"I've had a runner in the Gold Cup before but never in the National so hopefully this fella can take us to the National," he added.
