Envoi Allen, the 10-year-old gelding trained by Henry de Bromhead, has returned to the winner’s circle at Down Royal, reclaiming the Ladbrokes Champion Chase trophy in a thrilling display of grit and determination. The race, a Grade One contest, saw Envoi Allen face stiff competition, including the previous year’s victor, Gerri Colombe.
The early stages saw Gerri Colombe take the lead, but it was the King George hero, Hewick, who emerged as the frontrunner after the first turn. Jockey Jordan Gainford expertly pushed the pace, producing a series of impressive jumps, with favorite Gerri Colombe failing to keep up and dropping back. However, Darragh O’Keeffe, standing in for the injured Rachael Blackmore, remained calm and collected on Envoi Allen. He strategically positioned his mount for a challenge two fences out and unleashed a powerful surge to overtake Hewick. Envoi Allen then held on resolutely to secure a half-length victory at odds of 3-1.
The victory marks a triumphant return for Envoi Allen, who had previously won the Ladbrokes Champion Chase in 2022 before narrowly missing out in 2023. This year, he proved his class and resilience, delivering a performance that showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.
The triumph at Down Royal has sparked speculation about Envoi Allen’s future racing plans. The horse is now 12-1 from 20-1 with Coral for the Ryanair Chase, while Hewick is 12-1 from 16-1 for the King George. De Bromhead expressed his delight with the performance, praising Envoi Allen’s class and the team’s hard work. He also acknowledged the remarkable ride by Darragh O’Keeffe, who stepped up to the challenge in impressive fashion.
The focus now shifts towards Envoi Allen’s next challenge, with the King George and the Ryanair Chase both possibilities. The horse’s owner, Cheveley Park, will now work with De Bromhead to determine the most suitable path forward for this talented gelding.
