Envoi Allen© Photo Healy Racing
Today's clash of undefeated Envoi Allen versus weight-receiving Asterion Forlonge in the Sky Bet Killiney Novice Chase at Punchestown was billed as 'unmissable', but fell flat on its face with Asterion Forlonge's early fall, ultimately helping Envoi Allen to preserve his remarkable 12-race record.
Willie Mullins' stable jockey Paul Townend, who aggravated an old shoulder injury in a fall at Fairyhouse yesterday, was replaced by Danny Mullins on quirky Asterion Forlonge, a faller last-time at Limerick, but whom today received 11lbs from Envoi Allen.
Asterion Forlonge led the five runner field from flag-fall but at the first fence put in an extra stride on take-off causing him to fall, and in turn bringing down Sempo
Envoi Allen was then left in front, made the rest of the running and was eventually briefly shaken up on the run-in to comfortably beat Fils D'Oudairies by three and a half lengths. Dinny Lacey completed for third, 14 lengths further adrift.
Following the race winning trainer Gordon Elliott reported “it’s a bit of an anti climax when the other horse went at the first. Jack said he went around in second gear with his ears pricked.
“When he asked him to quicken going to the last he did. He got a bit under the last and he quickened again.
“He didn’t mind the ground and he didn’t do anything wrong. I think he’d be better with a lead as he’s idle but he had to do his own donkey work.
“He’s in everything at Leopardstown for fear something happened (with travelling) in Cheltenham but I’d say we will go straight to Cheltenham.
“He’s been to Cheltenham twice and showed he can win around it.”
Envoi Allen's jockey Jack Kennedy added “the loose horses had my heart in my mouth a few times. They crossed over me but Envoi Allen is so honest he never took his eye off the fence. He’s unbelievable and a very clever horse.
“He only really does what he has to do. He was very idle the whole way around in front but as soon as I sat into the saddle he put the race to bed.”
The win was also a poignant one as Envoi Allen's owner David Thompson, of Cheveley Park Stud, had passed away just 13 days ago.
Quotes from Alan Magee
