100 years since Navan's Troytown won the Aintree Grand National

John Donohoe

Published: Thu 9 Apr 2020, 7:18 PM

Last updated: Thu 9 Apr 2020, 8:31 PM

Many of the newer residents of Troytown Heights in Navan may not know why the estate is so called, thinking it may be a local townland or landmark. It is neither – it is named after a horse, Troytown, which won the Aintree Grand National a century ago.
One of Navan Racecourse’s biggest racedays, the Troytown Chase which takes place every year in November, is also named after the locally-owned horse, as is a bar at the racecourse.
Troytown, which was by Ziria out of the mare, Diane, was owned by Major Collins-Gerrard of Wilkinstown, and trained by Algy Anthony on the Curragh.

In his younger days, Troytown was trained at Oristown by JJ Madden, and had been broken by James Clarke, Navan, who also gave him his preliminary schooling.
Troytown’s greatest moment came on a Friday in 1920 when he won the Aintree Grand National, becoming the first Meath horse to do so since Harry Dias’ Manifesto, which triumphed in 1897 and ’99 for the Athboy owner.
Troytown was ridden by JR Anthony, who had previously enjoyed Grand National glory on Glenside in 1911, and Ambush II in 1916, and he had very few anxious moments over the frightening Liverpool circuit as Troytown ran the opposition off their feet.

He made only one error throughout the four and a half miles and had 12 lengths to spare from The Tuck II at the finish. Among the early fallers were the 1919 winner and favourite, Poethlyn, the runner-up that year,, Ballyboggan, which was trained in Westmeath, and the other Meath horse in the race, Clonree.
There were many happy people around Navan that Friday who has weighted substantial sums on Troytown and the winner received a tremendous reception on his return home to Dublin’s North Wall.
Troytown had previously experienced a big day on Sunday 22nd June 1919 when he travelled to Auteil in France and won the Paris Steeplechase, the Grand National of the continent.
The bay, ridden on the occasion by Willian Escott, was strongly supported by the large Anglo-American contingent, and it was clear from an early stage that they meant business as they took the field on a merry gallop.

Half the runners were in trouble at an early stage and there were fallers all over the place. Only three finished and Troytown galloped home five lengths clear of Albanais.
The Meath Chronicle stated: “Major Gerrard, beaming with evident delight, led the winner into the weighing enclosure to the accompaniment of loud cheering and he was warmly congratulated by Prince Murat and M A du Bos, president and vice-president respectively, of the Societe de Steeplechases.”
After his Aintree win, there was a great welcome home to Navan for Major Collins-Gerrard and his horse.
The Meath Chronicle reported: “Troytown’s great victory in the Grand National, following on from his brilliant win of the Paris Steeplechase, was, as could only be expected, a source of joy and pride to the sporting people of Navan and Royal Meath, and it was but fitting that a movement should be inaugurated to mark the auspicious occasion in permanent form.
The repot continued: “A committee was formed in Navan for this purpose, and it was agreed that the most fitting symbol of gratification would be an illuminated address to the owner, Major T G Collins-Gerrard, who, with his good lady, holds a place in the hearts of the people which kings might envy.
“In sport and charity, and in social life, the worthy owner of Troytown, and his amiable lady, have proved themselves of the best, and both have, to paraphrase the words of his address, upheld proud family tradition in this respect, which go back for many generations in Gibbstown and Beauparc.
“The Show Grounds Pavillion was the scene of a pleasant function, and the spacious apartment set apart for dancing, as well as the supper room adjoining, was resplendent in black and Eton Blue, the colours so noble borne to victory by Troytown, and which will, it is confidently anticipated, achieve similar distinction next season.

There was a fashionable gathering present when Major Collins-Gerrard, accompanied by the Hon Mrs Collins-Gerrard, ascended the little gallery provided in the dancing apartment, to hear the address read, and they had a rousing and spontaneous reception.
Mr James Coldrick, president of the committee, in is introductory remarks, said he was but voicing the feelings of everyone present, and many who were unavoidably absent, in speaking of the delight they all felt at Troytown’s great victory, and congratulating his popular owners on the achievements of their good horse, Troytown, of which Meath was naturally proud.
The Show Grounds Pavillion was part of the show grounds which stood where Pairc Tailteann is now located.

There was tragedy later in the year when Troytown returned to France and was killed in a race at Auteil racecourse in June. He is buried in Asnieres Animal Cemetery near the course. The great mare Dawn Run was killed on the same course 66 years later.