Envoi Allen Set For First Grade One Over Fences At Fairyhouse

Leading jumps star Envoi Allen will have his first chance in Grade One company over fences at Fairyhouse on Sunday when he steps up to the Drinmore Novices' Chase.

Envoi Allen has been one of the leading jumps horses in the sport over the last two years and now stepping up to go over fences this term, everyone just wants to know how good he can truly be.

The Cheveley Park owned stud is a dual Cheltenham festival winner having taken the Champion Bumper and Ballymore Novices hurdle in consecutive years.

The six year old has gone from strength to strength under Elliott landing all 10 of his races to date, winning one point to point, four bumpers, four hurdle contests and also extended his winning run on his debut over fences at Down Royal.

Stepping over the bigger obstacles this season, he was very impressive at Down Royal, jumping his fences superbly and showing his classy travelling ability as he has throughout his career.

Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud said: “He’s a pretty special individual and barely put a foot wrong – if he did put a foot wrong – at Down Royal.

“He’s the ultimate professional, a very intelligent horse and is a joy to be involved with. We’re fortunate to have him and he’s giving Mr and Mrs Thompson a huge amount of pleasure.

“The Drinmore at Fairyhouse is next and hopefully he can continue in his current vein.”

He added: “He takes everything in his stride, he’s perfectly balanced, he’s a horse who just knows what he’s got to do.

“It’s all a bit nerve-wracking really, you are up on a pedestal waiting to be knocked off, but at the moment we’ll enjoy it. The longer this unbeaten run goes the harder his first defeat will be to stomach I imagine!

“It’s just frustrating we can’t go at the moment, it’s a great shame but that’s the way it is – thankfully racing is on and we can watch on TV.”