Envoi Allen and connections celebrate
Sky Bet Killiney Novice Chase: Envoi Allen takes record to perfect 11-11 with Punchestown win following Asterion Forlonge fall
By Sporting Life
15:56 · SUN January 17, 2021
The Gordon Elliott-trained Envoi Allen kept up his perfect career record with victory in Sunday s Grade Three Sky Bet Killiney Novice Chase at Punchestown.
Enjoying a slight drop in class after winning the Grade One Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse, seven-year-old Envoi Allen was sent off the 1/2 favourite, despite having to concede lumps of weight all round, and delivered in typically sumptuous style under Jack Kennedy.
There was drama right from the off as the Willie Mullins-trained Asterion Forlonge, considered a serious threat in receipt of 11lb and the well-backed second-favourite, made a mistake and fell at the very first fence, bringing down Sempo in the process.
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Jack Kennedy on board Envoi Allen (file pic).
Image: PA
Image: PA
ENVOI ALLEN EASILY extended his unbeaten record with an 11th successive victory under rules after his chief market rival Asterion Forlonge fell at the first fence in the Sky Bet Killiney Novice Chase at Punchestown.
Gordon Elliott’s dual Cheltenham Festival winner was expected to face a telling test in the Grade Three over two and a half miles, in which he had to give 11 pounds to his four rivals on heavy ground.
There has been a familiar âto me, to youâ pattern to the Triumph Hurdle since Tiger Roll won in 2014 as Ireland and England have traded top spot in the Festival juvenile contest ever since.
If that trend is to continue, the winner come 12 March will be trained in England and Saturdayâs Chepstow Finale winner Adagio is now at the front of the queue for the David Pipe team.
Pipeâs father Martin won the race twice, most recently in 1995 with Kissair, and the Pond House team have an improving sort on their hands.
His lone defeat in four starts over timber came at Cheltenham in November when second to Gordon Elliottâs Duffle Coat. The Irish trainer has the ante-post favourite Zanahiyr, a Grade 1 winner at Leopardstown over Christmas, but Pipe and Tom Scudamore will be feeling good about Adagio after the weekend.
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