'It's a proud day at my local track' - fifth Troytown win for Gordon Elliott

Sunday: Troytown Chase, Navan

It was a release of raw emotion. As Davy Russell brought Run Wild Fred back in front of a parade-ring crowd that was three or four deep, Gordon Elliott clenched his fist and let out an almighty roar. He had, you sensed, been bottling that up for months and the biggest race at his local track was the perfect stage to let it all spew out.

An emotional Elliott explained: "As everyone knows we've been through a tough year but we're back now and we're training winners."

This particular winner was an important one. It was his fifth success in the Troytown but, after the year Elliott has had, it seemed like this one meant a little bit more than all the others.

Run Wild Fred arrived at Navan for the Ladbrokes-sponsored feature as a maiden over fences but, a bit like Wham's Last Christmas never reaching number one because of Band Aid, he had been second to some good horses in some good races, including the Irish Grand National and the Thyestes. This was the day he topped the charts.

The strongly supported 4-1 favourite was sent to the front by Russell after the first fence and, in truth, never looked in any real danger from that point on. Run Wild Fred was slick and secure over his obstacles and the race was in safe keeping coming down to the last, allowing Russell to slow up into the fence and make absolutely sure he got to the other side.

Run Wild Fred and Davy Russell dictate the race from the frontCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

There were seven and a half lengths back to stablemate Farclas in second, with Mister Fogpatches in third.

Elliott said: "I thought they were the two horses that maybe stood out among ours. A lot of the others ran good races too, though. I'm delighted to win the race for all the staff in the yard and for all my owners as well. Gigginstown have stood by me 100 per cent through thick and thin.

"It's a proud day to be here at my local track and it's brilliant to see such a big crowd here. To see my family and friends here enjoying the day means a lot."

There will be a staff bonus too.

"I told them the other day if we won the Troytown they could have a half-day tomorrow," Elliott explained. "You can see how good all my staff are with the way they turn the horses out. I'm proud of them all."

If ante-post punters were impressed by what they saw and want to get stuck into Run Wild Fred for a race at the Cheltenham Festival, there is only one direction he is going to be pointed.

"I think the National Hunt Chase could be written all over this horse," he said.

Davy Russell and Run Wild Fred after their Troytown Handicap Chase victoryCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

BoyleSports reacted to the rout by making Run Wild Fred their 5-1 favourite for the National Hunt Chase, having been available with the firm at 14-1 the previous day.

Elliott added: "Michael [O'Leary] might have different ideas, and it's a long time from here to March, but I think the National Hunt Chase is made for him and I'm a big believer in going for the race you think you can win."

Somehow that looks like an argument Elliott might win.

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