Groody storms up the Troytown Hill

Owner JP McManus won three races in-a-row at Navan when Groody Hill at 10/1 took the featured 25-runner three mile Troytown Chase at Navan by half-a-length for trainer Christy Roche.

It was the fourth winner on the day for McManus as Baby Whizz also took the 2.00 at Wexford.

In a thrilling battle Groody Hill and Alan Crowe stormed up the Navan hill to deprive Ad Idem (10/1) who looked a certain winner when his front-running rival Cross Appeal (12/1 from 20s in the morning) blundered away his winning chance at the final fence. Cross Appeal subsequently finished third.

Frank Berry, racing manager to JP McManus, said: “That was great. At the last I thought he was going to be third but in fairness he kept at it and stayed on well. He loves that ground which is a big plus.

“From what I saw of him going round he jumped very well. It’s lovely to win a race like this. Alan deserves a lot of the credit. He has been tricky from the word go but Alan gave him a great ride. If he gets into the Paddy Power Chase he will probably go there.”

The progressive winner, a five-year-old gelding by Alderbrook who scooped 52,000 euro today, was following up on wins at Punchestown and Wexford over shorter trips but he appeared to relish today’s test of stamina. Some Target finished best of Willie Mullins’ three runners in fourth place at 10/1. His Prince De Beauchene ridden by Ruby Walsh was sent off 13/2 favourite and finished fifth.

The crowd of 4,051 was 20 per cent up on last year's attendance.

Michael Graham