Envoi Allen to be honoured in Down Royal feature

Envoi Allen’s fine association with Down Royal will be remembered next month when the Champion Chase he won three times during his decorated career will be renamed in his honour.

Henry de Bromhead’s three-time Cheltenham Festival hero died suddenly after what was his swansong in the Gold Cup in March, having been off the track since completing his hat-trick in Down Royal’s feature event the previous November.

The Cheveley Park Stud-owned gelding saved some of his best displays for his visits to the Northern Ireland track, winning six times at the Lisburn venue in total, including his Grade One victories in what will now be called the BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase in 2022, 2024 and 2025.

De Bromhead said: “Down Royal was always a very special place for Envoi Allen, and he produced some of his absolute best performances on that track.

“To see the Grade One Champion Chase named in his memory is a wonderful touch. He brought our yard, owners Cheveley Park Stud, and racing fans so much happiness over the years, and it means a great deal to see him remembered in this way.”

Sam Boswell, head of sponsorship and media for BetVictor, added: “BetVictor is proud to continue as primary sponsor of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing for 2026.

“Envoi Allen was a true titan of National Hunt racing, and his extraordinary performances in this very race brought immense joy to racing fans.

“Partnering with Down Royal to name this race the BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase is a fitting tribute to a horse who gave so much to the sport.”