Envoi Allen is set to head directly to the Cheltenham Gold Cup, likely creating the most eagerly awaited showdown of the spring season. At 11 years old, Henry de Bromhead’s veteran secured his 17th career win in the Champion Chase at Down Royal last month, a performance that seemed to recapture his prime. However, the team decided to keep the three-time Festival winner rested for a potential final appearance in the prestigious race at Prestbury Park.
De Bromhead commented, “Envoi Allen is in excellent form, and we’ve agreed that the Gold Cup will be his farewell performance. His run at Down Royal was one of his best, and we’re focusing on keeping him fresh now. Like me, he’s getting older, so it’s about doing less but doing it well.” He also mentioned plans to prepare Envoi Allen specifically for Cheltenham while the Thompsons are eager to test the horse’s capabilities in this last major outing. “If he impresses there, we might rethink our plans, but for now, that’s his last race.”
De Bromhead expressed admiration for Envoi Allen’s enthusiasm, saying, “He’s an unbelievable horse who loves racing—it’s like he’s a young foal playing around. He simply adores the sport.”
At the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, Envoi Allen might be paired with stablemate Kirisios, also representing Cheveley Park Stud, who is expected to compete again in the Spring Champion Chase. Kirisios, who won the Triumph Hurdle, had a mixed result in the 2 Mile Championship earlier this year and fell at the final fence. Despite being entered in a Leopardstown race over Christmas, he will likely return to racing at the Dublin Racing Festival instead. De Bromhead explained, “Kirisios had a setback, but he’s recovering well. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get him ready for the Leopardstown Christmas event in time, so the Dublin Racing Festival is now the plan, hopefully aiming for the Champion Chase as well.”
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for horse racing enthusiasts as it signals the final curtain call for one of the sport’s beloved champions, Envoi Allen, making the Cheltenham Gold Cup a must-watch event. The potential showdown with Kirisios adds another layer of excitement, showcasing the depth of talent in de Bromhead’s stable and promising high stakes drama at the Festival.
