THE name Irvin S. Naylor may not be a household name on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. However, in a notable move, the man who can be described as the J.P. McManus or Michael O’Leary of American jump racing, is set to have his first runner in an Irish point-to-point, as he has a horse in training with Wexford handler Ellen Doyle.

His colours will not be completely alien to Irish racegoers as in 2011, Alfa Beat carried his famous green and orange silks to victory in the Kerry National, having been acquired by Naylor to provide him with a runner in the Grand National at Aintree. Unfortunately for Naylor, the grey only got as far as Foinavon in that season’s Aintree feature.