Gordon Elliott’s bids for a sixth Bar One Racing Troytown Chase
Navan Racecourse Sunday November 27
Elliott has won the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase five times in all thanks to Balbriggan (2014), Riverside City (2015), Empire Of Dirt (2016), Mala Beach (2017) and Run Wild Fred (2021). His most recent scorer ran out a very impressive winner under Jack Kennedy, much to the delight of punters who supported him all the way into 4-1 favourite.
Frontal Assault also carries the familiar maroon and white silks of Gigginstown House Stud and he made a striking reappearance at Galway last month when comfortably landing a conditions chase over 2m6f under Kennedy.
He was runner-up in last season's Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse too, when only finding the shock 40-1 winner Lord Lariat too good. Frontal Assault also has a course win to his name at Navan having won the Grade 3 Surehaul Mercedes-Benz Novice Hurdle in spring of last year.
The Midlands National winner Hurricane Georgie, who chased home Aintree Grand National hero Noble Yeats at Wexford last time, is another contender from Cullentra, while Defi Bleu has been priced up at 10-1 by Bar One Racing.
One of the most impressive winners of the Troytown in recent times was Chris's Dream in 2019 and his trainer Henry de Bromhead looks to have strong claims with Ain't That A Shame. Although winless over fences after five starts, the eight-year-old was just touched off by The Big Dog in the Munster National at Limerick last time and boasts a rating of 142. Not bad for a beginner. Unsurprisingly, he has been installed as the 8-1 second favourite.
The Guinness Kerry National winner Busselton is also entered, fresh from his superb front-running display at Listowel, while Joseph O'Brien's other two entries are former Galway Plate winner Early Doors and A Wave Of The Sea.
O'Brien will be hoping to land another big prize at Navan after Home By The Lee sprung a 28-1 surprise when beating Bob Olinger in the Lismullen Hurdle at the track on Sunday.
Jessica Harrington is chasing her first Bar One Racing Troytown Chase victory and last year's smart novice Lifetime Ambition, who ran so well in the Grand Sefton over the Grand National fences at Aintree earlier this month, is her sole entry this time around.
It promises to be a thrilling renewal of the Bar One Troytown Chase on Sunday, November 27, and with €59,000 up for grabs to the winner it is not surprising to see such a quality list of entries.
Barney O’Hare, Bar One Racing CEO, said: “We are delighted to see such a competitive renewal in store for the Bar One Racing Troytown Chase on Sunday November 27. It is the showcase race of Navan Racecourse’s calendar, and we look forward to what promises to be another great day. We have already received great feedback from racegoers on our new bookmaker shop on the track meaning that whether it be on the rails, online or in the shop, our customers have the best service and options in the business.”
Aidan McGarry, General Manager of Navan Racecourse, commented: “The Bar One Racing Troytown Chase race means so much to the local community and it promises to be a thrilling renewal our flagship jumps race, and with €59,000 up for grabs to the winner it is not surprising to see such a quality list of entries.
“Our online discounted admission tickets are available on navanracecourse.ie along with our value racing bundles. With lots of great racing and entertainment planned, we look forward to welcoming everyone on track.”
Bar One Racing Troytown Handicap Chase
Bar One: Frontal Assault 9/2, Ain't That A Shame 8/1, Defi Blue 10/1, The Big Dog 10/1, Flash De Touzaine 10/1, Lifetime Ambition 10/1, Busselton 14/1, Lieutenant Command 14/1, Diol Kier 14/1, Velvet Elvis 14/1, Farceur Du Large 16/1, Hurricane Georgie 16/1, Egality Mans 18/1, A Wave Of The Sea 18/1, School Boy Hours 18/1, Siberian Prince 20/1, 25/1 Bar