Now Is The Hour delivered a thrilling victory in the 2026 Goffs Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park, narrowly getting the better of the JP McManus-owned Better Times Ahead in a dramatic photo finish.
The decisive moment came at the final hurdle when Spanish Harlem, trained by Willie Mullins, fell while in contention. That incident opened the door for the G P Cromwell-trained Now Is The Hour, who powered home in the closing strides to snatch victory on one of the biggest days of the National Hunt season at Gowran.
Better Times Ahead was forced to settle for second after a strong run, as a packed Gowran Park crowd witnessed a memorable renewal of the historic contest.
Incredible drama in the @Goffs1866 Thyestes Chase 😮
An unseat on leader Spanish Harlem at the final fence – with beneficiary Better Times Ahead nutted by Now Is The Hour in the final stride!
Five finish in a remarkable renewal @GowranPark1 @gavincromwell1 pic.twitter.com/Qc9vgoHBQp
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) January 22, 2026
