NSA stalwart Irv Naylor passes
The racing community experienced an immeasurable loss with the passing of renowned owner Irvin S. Naylor Tuesday at age 91.
By Tod Marks
Irv and Diane Naylor ©Tod Marks
Irvin S. “Irv” Naylor, the National Steeplechase’s leading all-time owner, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. A businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Naylor left an indelible mark, collecting accolades and honors from those in the many worlds he traveled in and touched.
Born on June 26, 1935 in Stevenson, Md., Naylor was the son of a filling station operator in nearby Pikesville. Irv captained the McDonogh military school’s cavalry squad during his senior year. After graduating from Miami University, he launched Lok-Box in 1960, a packaging company that produced wooden boxes. He added Cor-Box – corrugated boxes – in 1968.
But his passion was skiing, and he carved out a lasting legacy building a successful winter sports empire: Ski Roundtop in York County, Pa. His company, Snow Time, Inc., later helped develop Liberty Mountain Resort, Ski Windham in New York, and Whitetail Mountain Resort.
Horses were another of Naylor’s loves. He was introduced to the equine world through his grandfather and uncle, who were both blacksmiths. He began fox hunting at age 15 and went on to become a successful amateur timber rider. He was joint-master of Pennsylvania’s Rose Tree Hunt and rode in point-to-points to start with, then shifted focus to the NSA circuit. He rode 41 races, beginning in 1967.
At age 63, Naylor had the historic Maryland Hunt Cup in sight when disaster struck in the Grand National timber stake in Butler. April 17, 1999, was the day Naylor’s life was irrevocably changed. While riding in the race, he was thrown from his horse, resulting in a broken neck and paralysis.
His accident, however, didn’t prompt him to exit the sport. Far from it. Over time, he forged a powerhouse stable, and he was a fixture at meets throughout the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Since 2010, he has collected seven National Steeplechase Association Leading Owner awards, the most recent coming in 2023 with trainers including Cyril Murphy, Kathy Neilson, and Neil Morris. And in 2024, the Naylor Stable became the NSA’s leading all-time owner, surpassing George Strawbridge’s record of $9,046,351.
Over the years, Naylor’s green, white, and gold silks have adorned three Eclipse Award winners, Black Jack Blues (2011), Dawalan (2015), and Rawnaq (2016), as well as filly/mare division leaders Gold Charm and Bercasa. His runners have amassed 26 graded stakes victories to date. He has 10 Grade 1’s, and those winners include Belfast Banter, Too Friendly, and Tax Ruling. His McTigue was the most recent, capturing the A.P. Smithwick at Saratoga over the summer.
For all of his accomplishments, it’s the storied Maryland Hunt Cup that was closest to Naylor’s heart, and it remained an ongoing dream to be represented in America’s most celebrated timber race. Naylor rode in the Hunt Cup four times (finishing fourth twice, fifth, and seventh), won it three times as an owner, and in 2000 received the Hunt Cup’s S. Bryce Wing Award for his contributions to Maryland timber racing.
“I feel that it is the ultimate race,” Naylor said after winning the leading owner for the last time in 2023. “Just to get a horse in the paddock is a feat in itself. I remember dieting and getting in shape to ride in it one year, only to have the horse cut himself the day before the race. It was a heartbreaker. So, to start the race is a thrill, to finish is a great accomplishment, but to win, it’s a real bonus.”
His first Hunt Cup win came with Make Me A Champ in 2005; Askim found the winner’s circle three years later, and his final victory came in 2023 as Withoutmoreado overtook two-time record-setting Hunt Cup star Vintage Vinnie at the 18th fence, surging to victory by nearly 11 lengths over Royal Ruse.
Irv’s wife, Diane, was – and is – an equally familiar presence on the racing scene. The couple met when the former Diane Gregory met Naylor at a 1970 trade show in Chicago. They were married 52 years.
When Naylor captured his final leading owner title, he wasn’t able to make the Awards Dinner in Aiken, S.C., as traveling had become more challenging, but he sent a poignant letter.
Ever humble, Naylor was philosophical when it came to building a winning team, and he shared credit with and gave thanks to his trainers, rider, vets, barn staff, and blacksmiths.
He also conceded that winning involves more than a modicum of luck. “The stars have to be aligned at a particular race, on a particular day, and a particular horse. This year our stars were aligned on many occasions.
“It is ironic that I cannot be there in person due to a horse. And that I was invited because of my horses. The logistics of getting a quadriplegic from one place to the next is daunting, and for Aiken, sadly impossible. Diane and I truly miss being there with all of our steeplechase family.”
“I am 88, being in the last quarter of my life. I was fortunate to spend a lot of my time during the first three-quarters with most of you, when I was obviously much, much younger. To receive this honor anytime is quite an honor.”
Details on Irv’s celebration of life will shared when available.