Envoi Allen © Photo Healy Racing
In the absence of the lame Chacun Pour Soi, just three lined up for the Grade 1 Paddy's Rewards Club Chase and 2/5 favourite Envoi Allen duly obliged but had to work quite hard for victory.
Only two counted jumping the ditch three from home as Sizing Pottsie (eventually unseated rider two out) lost touch and the favourite looked in trouble when getting in tight to the second-last. He came under pressure soon after and Battleoverdoyen was upsides with every chance on the home turn.
The Henry de Bromhead-trained winner began to asset on the run to the final fence, though, and was ridden out to score by seven and a half lengths from his sole remaining rival.
The seven-year-old’s sixth win at Grade 1 level did not impress Paddy Power who pushed out his price for the Ryanair Chase from 10/1 to 14/1.
Winning rider Rachael Blackmore said:- “We had a bit of a scare turning in but he put his head down and galloped to the line.
“I think Henry was right to step him back (in trip). Obviously with Chacun Pour Soi being out it changed the dynamic of the race but it's great to get his head in front.
“He felt good today, they can only beat what they are up against I suppose and I'm happy with him.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
