Elliott planning major raid on Troytown
Gordon Elliott is planning a major raid at Navan on Sunday as he attempts to win The Ladbrokes Troytown Chase for the second year in a row with four entries including Azorian, Bonisland, Georges Conn and Riverside City.
Balbriggan made every inch of the running when successful in the race twelve months ago and Elliott stated: “It’s a great race. We were lucky enough to win it last year and with Navan being one of my local tracks, that made last year’s success extra special. I have four left in Sunday’s race and the plan is that they’ll all run.”
He added: “Azorian joined us earlier this year and we have been delighted with him. He seems to handle any ground and I just hope the weights don’t go up too much. The step up in trip will suit him and I think he’ll have a good each-way chance.”
“Bonisland has been off for a while, but he has a bit of class. He works well and obviously he’ll have to come back to his best, but he is well and I am happy with him and he’ll take his chance.”
Elliott continued: “Georges Conn disappointed the last day at Thurles, but he gets in with a nice weight on his back. He is in good shape and he is owned by local owners, so it’s great for them to have a horse good enough to run in a race like this.”
“Riverside City is another with a nice weight on his back and I thought he ran very well in the Cork National. We know that he stays well and he’ll sneak into the bottom of the handicap. The plan is that he’ll run as well.”
Riverside City is owned by JP McManus and his racing manager Frank Berry stated that Jacksonslady will also run on Sunday and he said: “She seems to be in good form and Philip (Dempsey) is happy with her. She seems to handle most types of ground, so she’ll line up on Sunday.”
John Ryan runs the consistent Kylecrue and said: “I thought he was a bit unlucky in the Cork National, but he does stay well and he ran very well when second over hurdles at Clonmel last week. He has been in super form since and hopefully the weights won’t go up too much. He is a relentless galloper and I think Navan will suit him.”
Mouse Morris could be represented by First Lieutenant and Dromnea. The latter ran a fine race on his first start since May at Punchestown on Saturday.
“That was his first run of the season and we’ll see how he is during the week, but he is a possible runner. He had a hard enough race at the weekend, so we’ll see how he is closer to the weekend,” stated Morris.
Sandra Hughes could be represented by Irish Grand National winner Thunder And Roses and Knockanarrigan and of the latter she said: “He has been very well since he won, but the ground would be a worry. I’d like it dry up a bit for him. It wasn’t that bad when he won at Down Royal, but I don’t think he’d want it real heavy, so hopefully it will dry up a bit before the weekend.”
Gordon Elliott also holds a strong hand in The Grade 2 Monksfield Novice Hurdle as he supplies three of the twelve entries in the shape of Cogryhill, Dallas Cowboy and Roman Gold.
The brilliant Douvan could make his debut over fences in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase. The five-year-old was unbeaten in his four starts over hurdles last season for Willie Mullins and he was a most impressive winner of the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham and a Grade 1 at Punchestown respectively.
Commenting on the Ladbrokes sponsorship, Navan Racecourse Manager, Peter Killeen said: “It’s really terrific to see Ladbrokes continuing the support and long-term relationship with Navan in sponsoring the prestigious Ladbrokes Troytown. This historic race is certainly living up to its reputation attracting all the leading trainers in what is shaping up to be a real highlight on the calendar.”
Hayley O'Connor of Ladbrokes said: 'The National Hunt season has got off to a cracking start and the tempo will no doubt remain high for the Troytown this weekend. We're looking forward to the race, and very glad to be associated with it once again.”