Envoi Allen Eyes Gold Cup Glory at Cheltenham Festival

Envoi Allen, the three-time Cheltenham Festival winner, is making a strong comeback and is being backed to perform well at the prestigious event next month. Despite being listed at odds as high as 50/1 for the Gold Cup on March 15, 2024, trainer Henry de Bromhead remains optimistic about the 12-year-old’s chances, describing him as “better than ever” following a successful return at Down Royal.

In his seasonal debut, Envoi Allen triumphed over Affordale Fury, who later secured victory at the Savills Chase. De Bromhead believes this performance indicates that Envoi Allen can still compete at a high level, even as he approaches the final stages of his impressive career. “I think he has a chance, I really do,” de Bromhead stated during an event at the Lord Bagenal Hotel in County Carlow, organized by the Jockey Club.

The trainer drew parallels between Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger, who was also considered an underdog last year. “It’s sort of like Bob Olinger last year—you look at all the horses he has beaten, and they are single figures, and then you look at him and he’s some crazy price!” he remarked. De Bromhead expressed surprise at Envoi Allen’s odds, suggesting that others may undervalue his potential.

Reflecting on Envoi Allen’s past successes, de Bromhead noted, “The enthusiasm of him and Bob Olinger is amazing. I think it’s seven years ago that Envoi Allen won the bumper, which is mad, and I think he’s been there every year since.”

De Bromhead further emphasized the importance of this year’s Gold Cup, hinting that it could mark the end of Envoi Allen’s racing career. “If he stays that extra bit, I don’t see why he won’t,” he added, expressing some regret for not having entered him in the Gold Cup in previous years.

Last year, de Bromhead celebrated his 25th Festival winner thanks to Bob Olinger’s victory in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Olinger is set to return to defend his title at this year’s event, showcasing the trainer’s ability to guide his horses to success when they are perceived as underdogs.

“Bob Olinger was like the forgotten horse,” de Bromhead recalled, explaining how he was astonished to see Olinger’s odds reach 66-1 before last year’s festival. “I said, ‘oh my God, that’s the each-way bet of the week!’ I wasn’t saying he would win or anything, but I couldn’t believe the price he was.”

Olinger has made only one appearance since his triumph, finishing second at the Christmas Hurdle held at Leopardstown on December 28. De Bromhead reflected positively on that run, stating, “It was a lovely run. Those older lads, you don’t want to be too hard on them for their first run, so he ran lovely. He took a little blow there just before the last and ran on again lovely.”

In addition to Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger, de Bromhead is also eyeing a strong performance from Quilixios in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The 2021 Triumph Hurdle winner was in a promising position last year when he fell at the last fence, but he has not raced since then. “He’s had a couple of setbacks through the year, but he’s really good now,” de Bromhead reported.

After a positive training session on grass, de Bromhead is hopeful about Quilixios’ condition. “If he comes out of that okay, he’ll do one more strong piece of work, and if that goes well, we’re there for the Queen Mother Champion Chase,” he confirmed, adding that Quilixios has been showing great form and can perform well when fresh.

As the Cheltenham Festival approaches, excitement builds around these competitors. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Envoi Allen can defy the odds and secure another memorable victory in what may be the final chapter of his illustrious career.