IRVIN S. Naylor, one of US jump racing’s biggest patrons, passed away last week at the age of 91.

His familiar green with white and gold chevron colours were also carried in Ireland to success in the Kerry National by the grey Alfa Beat in 2011, trained at the time by Shark Hanlon.

Naylor was the National Steeplechase Association’s leading all-time owner and captured his seventh US leading owner crown in 2023 with horses under the care of Cyril Murphy, Kathy Neilson and Neil Morris.

Naylor had also been well-known for his achievements as a top amateur rider before he lost the use of his legs and hands in a riding accident in 1999. At the age of 63, disaster struck in the Maryland Hunt Cup when he suffered a fall, resulting in a broken neck and paralysis.

The Maryland Hunt Cup was close to Naylor’s heart and he won it three times as an owner.

He launched Lok-Box in 1960, a packaging company that produced wooden boxes and went on to build a successful winter sports empire.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane, also a familiar presence on the US racing scene.

Naylor’s silks were carried by three Eclipse Award winners and won 10 Grade 1 wins including with Belfast Banter, Too Friendly, and Tax Ruling.

McTigue was the most recent, capturing the Grade 1 Leo O’Brien Handicap Hurdle at Saratoga this summer.