INSPECTIONS and testing ground have been the story of the racing week, and Gowran for Thyestes day was no different, the feature race itself putting the emphasis on stamina with only five of the 18-strong field completing, several riders sensibly pulling up in the straight when their chance of placing had gone.

The pace may not have been as strong as it can be in races like this, plenty still in contention after four out, but the ground soon took its toll and suited Now Is The Hour who was deserving of a success in a race like this but still only shaped third best on the day.