Envoi Allen triumphantly reclaimed the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal, edging out Hewick in a thrilling finish. Under Darragh O'Keeffe, Envoi Allen's odds improved significantly, highlighting his formidable comeback.
Envoi Allen showcased his class by overcoming a late challenge from Hewick to reclaim the Ladbrokes Champion Chase trophy at Down Royal.
Henry de Bromhead's 10-year-old had previously secured top honors in the 2022 renewal of this Grade One contest but faced disappointment last year, finishing a neck behind Gerri Colombe. This time, Gerri Colombe took an early lead, only for King George hero Hewick to assert himself at the front as the field passed the stands for the first time.
Jordan Gainford put pressure on the competition by gradually increasing the tempo and executing a series of impressive jumps. However, the favorite Gerri Colombe faded away as they turned for home.
Darragh O'Keeffe, stepping in for the sidelined Rachael Blackmore, remained calm on Envoi Allen, who made a formidable challenge two out before powering to victory by half a length at odds of 3-1. Envoi Allen's performance has seen his odds shift to 12-1 from 20-1 with Coral for the Ryanair Chase, while Hewick's odds have adjusted to 12-1 from 16-1 for the King George.
A delighted De Bromhead remarked, "It was brilliant, and he is just a class horse. Everyone at home has done such a great job. Obviously, it’s a shame for Rachael, but delighted for Darragh—he gave him a super ride and has really stepped up. Fair play to him; he is taking his opportunities."
When asked if this was possibly the best of Envoi Allen’s three runs in this race, De Bromhead responded, "Possibly, fair point. He was brilliant and jumped great. He traveled so well. Probably better ground than last year, I would say, which helped us. When we got to the last, I thought we might get done again, but he battled really well. I must say, I thought Darragh was brilliant on him."
Regarding future plans, De Bromhead said, "He's 10 now, so we’ll see. That King George keeps coming back into my head; I feel we have unfinished business there. I need to speak to Cheveley Park and see what everyone would like to do. He was going to run at Christmas in the Savills Chase last year, but I think the ground just went very testing at Leopardstown."
