Run Wild Fred jumps the last clear© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Elliott saddled seven horses in the Grade B Troytown Handicap Chase and enjoyed a one-two when Run Wild Fred came home clear of Farclas on the day that Navan Racecourse celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Irish Grand National runner-up Run Wild Fred made all over this three-mile trip and Davy Russell sent him clear before two out. Mister Fogpatches (7/1) could make no impression and was caught for second close home by Farclas (11/2) who was unable to land a glove on the impressive winner. Peaches And Cream came in fourth at 33/1.
“I thought they were the two horses that maybe stood out among ours, a lot of the others ran good races,” said Gordon Elliott.
“I'm delighted for myself, number one, to win the race, for all the staff in the yard, for all my owners as well. Gigginstown have stood by me 100 per cent through thick and thin.
“It's proud day to be here at my local track and you can see all the crowd here, it's brilliant with family and friends enjoying it as well.
“As everyone knows we've been through a tough year but we're back now and we're training winners, the team I have behind me is unbelievable.
“You can see all the staff, and the way they turn the horses out, I'm proud of them all. I told them the other day if we won the Troytown they could have a half day tomorrow so I think I'm going to have to give them a half day!
“I haven't seen this kind of crowd racing since everything happened, people couldn't go racing with Covid-19. It's great to see a good crowd here today and a great atmosphere.
“Alex, my secretary, led him up as well so it's a great day for her as well.
“I know he was still a maiden over fences but he had good form. I believe to win these good staying handicap chases they have to be graded or listed placed the season before. That's what the first and second horses had done.
“Both of them could be Grand National horses but I think the National Hunt Chase could be written all over this horse.
“Michael might have different ideas and it's a long time from here to March. I think the race is made for him and I'm a big believer in going for the race you think you can win.”
This gave Elliott a double on the card as he also saddled Hollow Games to win the Grade 3 novice hurdle.
Russell was winning this race for the third time.
Paddy Power shortened Run Wild Fred from 12/1 to 6/1f for the National Hunt Chase and support saw his price contract to 9/2 favourite. They also made him 16/1 from 33/1 for the Grand National.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
