Gordon Elliott stands by Troytown strategy

Gordon Elliott has defended the number of runners he had in Navan's Troytown Chase on Sunday after reiterating his desire to one day be crowned Ireland’s champion trainer.

Elliott ended up seeing 14 of his Cullentra House battalion face the starter for the €100,000 handicap and saddled four of the first five home, with 20-1 shot Coko Beach scooping the big pot for Gigginstown House Stud.

It is a contest Elliott has enjoyed great success in down the years and having been responsible for nearly three-quarters of the final field of 20, he simply believes he is doing what is best for both the horses in his yard and their owners by targeting the race.

"I started with nothing and didn’t get handed anything, I’ve worked for everything I’ve got," explained Elliott.

"We didn’t stop any horse running in the race, the race didn’t fill and I think if I only ran one or two horses then there might only be eight or nine in the race.

"I think for a €100,000 race, for Bar One who are sponsoring the race and for Navan, it would be embarrassing if there is only eight or nine runners in it.

"All my owners are paying training fees and entry fees and they want to run, so I don’t think I have anyone to answer to. All I want to do is do my best for every horse and every owner."

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Coko Beach brought up winner 115 for the season for Elliott with American Mike’s impressive chasing debut quickly taking that total to 116.

He currently stands €500,000 ahead of his great rival Willie Mullins at the head