The County Meath racecourse of Navan first opened for business on Friday 16th September 1921, although at this stage it was known as Proudstown Park. The one and a half mile left-handed course, with 3 ½ furlong run in, is located 30 miles from Dublin and is best known for its National Hunt meetings, although it does also hold Flat racing, with the additional facility of a 6 furlong straight sprint course. It was the brainchild of Albert Lowry, who was a local breeder and auctioneer who also liked a gamble. A that inaugural meeting the steeplechase course was not completed, opening in December 1921, but the management boasted steam central heating in the lavish stands to enable racing to take place in comfort in the winter, but acknowledged that further work was required because the viewing from the County Stand was obstructed. Today it stages one grade one race, the Navan Novice Hurdle, but is best known for the grade 2 Monksfield Novice Hurdle, Grade 2 Fortria Chase and the Grade B Troytown Chase. Currently the course hosts 18 fixtures annually.
Friday 16th September 1921
Simonstown Plate (£100) over 6 furlongs
1. Bachelor’s Mark (7/2) owned by Mr A Lowry, trained by Matt Dawson and ridden by Patman
2. Boyne Bridge (evens fav) owned by Mr H Kirwan and ridden by Michael Beary
3. Tory Island (10/1) owned by Mr L Brabazon and ridden by Joe Dines
Proudstown Plate (£300) over 2 miles
1. Hedu (3/1 jt fav) owned by Mr H Hartigan and ridden by Joe Canty
2. Benediction (7/2) owned by Mr D G Dickson and ridden by J Hogan junior
3. King Michael (20/1) owned by Mr J Moore and ridden by F Wootton
September Plate (£100) over 1 mile
1. Organa (3/1 fav) owned by Mr D Power and ridden by John Doyle
2. Mudros (6/1) owned by Mr T Jackson and ridden by Aylin
3. Quadrant (6/1) owned by Mr P Rogers and ridden by H Beasley
Directors' Plate (£100) over 2 miles
1. Another Attraction (100/8) owned by Mr Smyth, trained by Bannon and ridden by M Banahan
2. Icoles (2/1 jt fav) owned by Mr J Graham and ridden by Mr Parkinson
3. Kylaclare (2/1 jt fav) owned by Mr M McDonogh and ridden by Mr Firth senior
Antlystown Plate (£100) over 5 furlongs
1. Tinode (7/1) owned by Mr P Shaw, trained by Fetherston and ridden by Joe Dines
2. Orby Lass (6/1) owned by Mr C Wallis and ridden by H Beasley
3. Stamnos (4/5 fav) owned by Mr A McCann and ridden by Joe Canty
Kilderry Plate (£100) over 1 mile
1. Alaksa (4/1) owned by Mr E Hope, trained by L Brabazon and ridden by Joe Dines
2. Petit Beau (4/6 fav) owned by Captain Maher and ridden by Joe Dawson
3. Time Enough (6/1) owned by Mr R Walker and ridden by Aylin
The Grade 2 Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was first contested over 2 miles in 1999. A list of winners is shown below:-
1999 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 miles was won by Aldino (11/1) trained by Ronald O’Leary and ridden by Charlie Swan, beating Oa Baldixe (4/9 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Well Ridden (5/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer in third
2000 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Harbour Pilot (6/4) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Trevino (14/1) trained by Ms F M Crowley and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Glens Music (11/2) trained by J A O’Connell and ridden by Tommy Treacy in third
2001 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Over The Bar (4/6 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Charlie Swan, beating Pietro Vannucci (7/2) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Bassett Tiger (6/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2002 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Solerina (13/8) trained by James Bowe and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Kicking King (6/1) trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Pizarro (8/13 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Norman Williamson in third
2003 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Newmill (5/2) trained by Thomas O’Leary and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Kildare (3/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by David Casey, with Kadiskar (6/4 fav) trained by Christy Roche and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer in third
2004 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Petertheknot (7/1) trained by Patrick Sinnott and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, beating Sweet Kiln (5/2) trained by James Bowe and ridden by G T Hutchinson, with Our Ben (11/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Alan Crowe in third
2005 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Travino (4/1) trained by Margaret Mullins and ridden by John Cullen, beating Nicanor (5/2 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Mossbank (4/1) trained by Michael Hourigan and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer in third
2006 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Aran Concerto (4/5 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Footy Facts (15/8) trained by Robert Tyner and ridden by Timmy Murphy, with Hollywood Law (16/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2007 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Trafford Lad (8/1) trained by Dusty Sheehy and ridden by Tom Doyle, beating Gem Daly (6/4 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Decoy Daddy (11/4) trained by Anthony Mullins and ridden by Andrew McNamara in third
2008 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Mikael D’Haguenet (3/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, beating Pandorama (2/7 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Aura About You (16/1) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Alain Cawley in third
2009 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Shinrock Paddy (7/2) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Alain Cawley, beating Rhyl Accord (11/10 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with The Hurl (6/1) trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Niall Madden in third
2010 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Oscars Well (9/4) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Robbie Power, beating Sweet Shock (4/1) trained by Michael O’Hare and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Fully Funded (7/4 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2011 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Boston Bob (9/4) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Mount Benbulben (5/6 fav) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Ipsos Du Berlais (5/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2012 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Pont Alexandre (3/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Busty Brown (8/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Reine Angevine (12/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend in third
2013 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Briar Hill (1/4 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating sole rival Azorian (11/4) trained by Eoin Griffin and ridden by Davy Russell
2014 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by No More Heroes (3/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Shaneshill (4/9 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Couleur France (16/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry
2015 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Belshill (4/6 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Tycoon Prince (3/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Bryan Cooper, with Chesterfieldavenue (14/1) trained by Christy Roche and ridden by Barry Geraghty
2016 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Death Duty (6/4) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Bryan Cooper, beating Monalee (7/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by David Mullins, with Invitation Only (evens fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2017 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Next Destination (10/11 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by David Mullins, beating Cracking Smart (7/4) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, with Jetz (16/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Robbie Power in third
2018 The Navan Novice Hurdle over 2 ½ miles was won by Easy Game (4/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Getareason (10/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with Defi Bleu (3/1 fav) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell in third
The Grade 2 Fortria Chase over 2 miles takes place each November and was first run in 1986 as a Handicap. It commemorates the many successes of the great Irish steeplechaser of the late 1950s and early 1960s. A list of previous winners is shown below:-
1986 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by Royal Bond (6/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Tom Taaffe, beating Russet Prince (16/1) ridden by Paul Leech, with Bartres (5/4 fav) ridden by T Morgan in third
1987 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by Super Furrow (9/4 fav) trained by Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by M M Treacy, beating Royal Bond (4/1) ridden by Tom Taaffe, with Another Shot (8/1) ridden by U Smyth in third
1988 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by Wolf of Badenoch (5/4 fav) trained by John Mulhern and ridden by Tommy Carmody, beating Weather The Storm (13/8) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Tom Taaffe, with Excursion (14/1) trained by G Stewart and ridden by Mr I Buchanan in third
1989 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by Have A Barney (12/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Tom Taaffe, beating Wolf of Badenoch (11/8 fav) trained by John Mulhern and ridden by Brendan Sheridan, with Rust Never Sleeps (7/1) trained by Augustine Leahy and ridden by G M O’Neill in third
1990 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by Blitzkreig (evens fav) trained by Edward O’Grady and ridden by Tommy Carmody, beating Astral River (6/1) trained by J A Berry and ridden by D P Murphy, with Ebony Star (8/1) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by Pat McWilliams in third
1991 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was won by El-Sid-Senor (5/2 jt fav) trained by Francis Flood and ridden by Liam Cusack, beating Good for a Laugh (3/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Tom Taaffe, with Redundant Pal (9/2) trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer in third
1992 The Fortia Handicap Chase over 2 miles was not contested
1993 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Magic Million (7/1) trained by Mick O’Toole and ridden by Pat McWilliams, beating Gale Again (2/1 fav) trained by Tommy Stack and ridden by C P Dunne, with Random Prince (20/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
1994 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Annfield Lady (5/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Trevor Hogan, beating Brockley Court (5/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by J P Banahan, with Eyelid (7/4 fav) trained by Michael Purcell and ridden by Charlie Swan in third
1995 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Sound Man (4/6 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Richard Dunwoody, beating Brockley Court (7/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Charlie Swan, with Bavard Dieu (6/1) trained by Michael Cunningham and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer in third
1996 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong was won by Anabatic (100/30) trained by Michael O’Brien and ridden by Tom Rudd, beating Sound Man (1/4 fav) trained by Eddie O’Grady and ridden by Norman Williamson, with Corston Dancer (50/1) trained by J A Berry and ridden by Trevor Horgan in third
1997 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong was won by Arctic Weather (11/2) trained by Michael O’Brien and ridden by Tom Rudd, beating Manhattan Castle (3/1 jt fav) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, with Beakstown (4/1) trained by Paddy Mullins and ridden by Tommy Treacy in third
1998 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong was won by Delphi Lodge (4/1) trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Tommy Treacy, beating Papillon (5/2) trained by Ted Walsh and ridden by Ruby Walsh, with Merry Gale (100/30) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by S M McGovern in third
1999 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles 1 furlong was won by Private Peace (9/1) trained by Frances Crowley and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Linden’s Lotto (6/1) trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Jason Titley, with Merry Gale (7/1) trained by Jim Dreaper and ridden by S P McCann in third
2000 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Native Upmanship (5/4) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, beating Frozen Groom (11/10 fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Jason Titley, with Delphi Lodge (10/1) trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2001 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Micko’s Dream (11/10 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Native Upmanship (9/4) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, with Zayta (4/1) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Paul Moloney in third
2002 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Alcapone (11/1) trained by Mouse Morris and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Arctic Copper (7/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Fadoudal Du Cochet (7/1) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by B M Cash in third
2003 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Moscow Flyer (30/100 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Glengelly Gale (11/2) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Conor O’Dwyer, with Rathgar Beau (3/1) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by John Cullen in third
2004 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Moscow Flyer (30/100 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Arctic Copper (20/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Fiery Ring (25/1) trained by John Fowler and ridden by David Casey in third
2005 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Central House (8/1) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Roger Loughran, beating Moscow Flyer (4/11 fav) trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Hi Cloy (5/1) trained by Michael Hourigan and ridden by Andrew McNamara in third
2006 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Nickname (6/1) trained by Martin Brassil and ridden by Niall Madden, beating Central House (7/4 jt fav) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by P W Flood, with Watson Lake (7/4 jt fav) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2007 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by French Accordion (11/8 jt fav) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by John Cullen, beating Katuna (6/1) trained by E Sheehy and ridden by Paul Carberry, with Central House (11/8 jt fav) trained by Dessie Hughes and ridden by Roger Loughran in third
2008 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Watson Lake (8/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry, beating Slim Pickings (14/1) trained by Tom Taaffe and ridden by Barry Geraghty, with Mansony (7/2) trained by Arthur Moore and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2009 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Big Zeb (11/10 fav) trained by Colm Murphy and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Made in Taipan (7/4) trained by Thomas Mullins and ridden by Davy Russell, with Watson Lake (8/1) trained by Noel Meade and ridden by Paul Carberry in third
2010 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Big Zeb (8/15 fav) trained by Colm Murphy and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Golden Silver (11/4) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend, with Carthalawn (25/1) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Condon in third
2011 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Big Zeb (6/5) trained by Colm Murphy and ridden by Robbie Power, beating Noble Prince (evens fav) trained by Paul Nolan and ridden by Davy Russell, with Forpadyeplasterer (8/1) trained by Thomas Cooper and ridden by Bryan Cooper in third
2012 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Flemenstar (10/11 fav) trained by Peter Casey and ridden by Andrew Lynch, beating Big Zeb (9/2) trained by C A Murphy and ridden by Robbie Power, with Foildubh (7/1) trained by John Parick Ryan and ridden by Davy Condon in third
2013 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Flemenstar (1/4 fav) trained by Tony Martin and ridden by Andrew Lynch, beating Days Hotel (13/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Bryan Cooper, with Realt Mor (13/2) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Davy Russell in third
2014 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Twinlight (100/30) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh, beating Days Hotel (3/1 jt fav) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Irish Thistle (12/1) trained by H Rogers and ridden by Mark Enright in third
2015 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Hidden Cyclone (3/1) trained by John Joseph Hanlon and ridden by Brian Hayes, beating Days Hotel (8/1) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Flemenstar (12/1) trained by Anthony Curran and ridden by Keith Donoghue in third
2016 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Arctic Skipper (25/1) trained by Vincent Laurence Halley and ridden by Sean Flanagan, beating Gilgamboa (5/2) trained by Enda Bolger and ridden by Mark Walsh, with Ballycasey (4/6 fav) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
2017 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Clarcam (7/2) trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Jack Kennedy, beating Alisier D’Irlande (2/1 jt fav) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Andrew Lynch, with Fine Rightly (5/1) trained by S R B Crawford and ridden by Paul Townend in third
2018 The Fortia Chase over 2 miles was won by Ballyoisin (8/13 fav) trained by Enda Bolger and ridden by Barry Geraghty, beating Ordinary World (7/2) trained by Henry De Bromhead and ridden by Bryan Cooper, with Listen Dear (4/1) trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Ruby Walsh in third
