The 2026 Cheltenham Festival delivered memorable moments aplenty as the stars of the National Hunt scene delivered four days of spectacular action. As tends to be the case, Willie Mullins provided more highlights than any other trainer, with his eight wins including victories in three of the four championship events – capped by a sensational performance from Gaelic Warrior in the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
It was in the immediate aftermath of the Gold Cup that the highs and lows of racing were thrust into the spotlight. While still revelling in Gaelic Warrior’s eight-length stroll, fans were met with the news that one of the modern greats of the Cheltenham Festival had passed away. Set to head into retirement following his Gold Cup swansong, Envoi Allen collapsed and died on his way back to the paddock. It was a desperately sad end for a wonderful horse who lit up the sport for eight seasons and shone brightest of all on racing’s biggest stage.
Electric for Elliott
Envoi Allen’s racing career began with a 10-length success in his sole point-to-point outing at Ballinaboola in February 2018. Catching the eye of Cheveley Park Stud, he was snapped up for £400,000 and transferred to the yard of Gordon Elliott.
Spoken of in glowing terms by his new handler from the moment he arrived at Cullentra House, Envoi Allen went on to compile a perfect record for Elliott – winning all 11 starts between December 2018 and January 2021.
| Date | Race | Course | Winnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2/12/2018 | INH Flat Race | Fairyhouse | €6,160 |
| 16/12/2018 | Flat Race | Navan | €16,912.50 |
| 2/2/2019 | INH Flat Race | Leopardstown | €51,625 |
| 13/3/2019 | Champion Bumper | Cheltenham | £42,202.50 |
| 2/11/2019 | Maiden Hurdle | Down Royal | €8,865 |
| 1/12/2019 | Novice Hurdle | Fairyhouse | €53,100 |
| 5/1/2020 | Lawlor’s Novice Hurdle | Naas | €53,100 |
| 11/3/20 | Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle | Cheltenham | £70,337.50 |
| 30/10/2020 | Beginners Chase | Down Royal | €6,490 |
| 29/11/2020 | Drinmore Novice Chase | Fairyhouse | €41,300 |
| 17/1/2021 | Killiney Novice Chase | Punchestown | €20,650 |
Included in that number were his first two Cheltenham Festival victories. Showing grit to go with his undoubted class, he held off the Willie Mullins-trained Blue Sari to claim the 2019 Champion Bumper. Returning in 2020 and sent off as the 4/7f for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle, his stamina won the day as he forged clear for a 4¼l success.
Having recorded further Grade 1 wins in the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle, and Drinmore Novice Chase, Envoi Allen looked set for a long and successful stay at the Elliott yard. However, his time at Cullentra House came to an end following the Gordon Elliott controversy of 2021, which saw Cheveley Park remove all eight of their horses from his care.
New Home at Knockeen
Having left the Elliott operation, Envoi Allen settled in at the Knockeen yard of Henry de Bromhead. Given his impeccable record, it’s fair to say that Envoi Allen took a little time to find his best form at his new home. Making his first start for De Bromhead in the 2021 Marsh Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, his unbeaten record came to an end when falling at the fourth fence. Pulled up at the Punchestown Festival in his next appearance, the second half of the 2020/21 season didn’t live long in the memory.
However, anyone writing Envoi Allen off was soon made to reconsider, as he returned with a 22-length success in a Grade 2 contest at Down Royal. While never as consistent as in those early years, the good-looking bay won six of his 20 starts for his new trainer, including five Grade 1 contests.
The highest profile of those victories came in the 2023 edition of the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Expected to play second fiddle to Shiskin, he jumped much better than his Henderson-trained rival and stayed on powerfully to score by 2¾l under Rachel Blackmore.
Ten Grade 1 Wins
Between that 2018 debut and his tragic final appearance, Envoi Allen won 17 of 31 starts under rules, made an incredible eight appearances at the Cheltenham Festival, and amassed over £1.1million in prize money for connections. A veteran of 23 top-tier contests, he took his proud owners to the Grade 1 winners’ enclosure on 10 occasions:
- Champion Bumper – 2019
- Royal Bond Novice Hurdle – 2019
- Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle – 2020
- Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – 2020
- Drinmore Novice Chase – 2020
- Paddy’s Rewards Club Chase – 2021
- Down Royal Champion Chase – 2022, 2024, 2025
- Ryanair Chase – 2023
Heartbreak for Connections
To lose any horse is hard, but to see Envoi Allen collapse only a few steps into his retirement was particularly heart-wrenching. Reacting to the sad news, Richard Thompson of Cheveley Park Stud stated:
“He was such a lovely little horse, and it wasn’t the ending we wanted. He’s been an incredible servant and just wonderful over the years. It’s such a sad way to go.”
Others to pay tribute included travelling head person to Henry de Bromhead, Zoe Smalley, who had accompanied Envoi Allen to the past six Cheltenham Festivals:
“He was amazing. I’m just pleased that it was quick and painless. He was in a place that he loved. Significantly to us, a rainbow popped up just afterwards, so I think he’s in a better place.”