The Henry De Bromhead-trained Envoi Allen won the Champion Chase at Down Royal three times
Down Royal racecourse and BetVictor have announced plans to honour the legendary chaser Envoi Allen at their Festival of Racing next month.
The Henry De Bromhead-trained chasing superstar captured the BetVictor Champion Chase three times at the Lisburn venue (2022, 2024, and 2025) and was a real course favourite.
He tragically died just moments after completing his final race in the Gold Cup at Cheltenham in March but gave his owners Cheveley Park and regular rider Rachael Blackmore some memorable moments at Down Royal and elsewhere.
Down Royal and title sponsor BetVictor have now revealed that the feature race of the November Festival will be renamed The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase.
The race is the first Grade 1 of the Irish jumping season and promises to be another fascinating contest with some of the best chasers in Ireland and Britain likely to line-up.
Envoi Allen ran seven times in total at Down Royal and his win in the race last year was the last of his eleven Grade One wins, that also included three wins at the Cheltenham Festival.
Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse said: “Envoi Allen held a truly unique place in the hearts of everyone at Down Royal. From his early days through to his historic third Champion Chase victory last November, he delivered some of the most memorable moments ever witnessed at our track.
“Renaming our Grade 1 flagship race in his memory ensures his legacy remains permanently woven into the fabric of our BetVictor Festival of Racing.”
“We’re delighted to once again welcome BetVictor as title sponsor to our The BetVictor Festival of Racing – from iconic horses on the track to the style and spectacle of Ladies Day – we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for racegoers this October.”
Sam Boswell, Head of Sponsorship & Media for BetVictor, said: “BetVictor is proud to continue as primary sponsor of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing for 2026.
“Envoi Allen was a true titan of National Hunt racing, and his extraordinary performances in this very race brought immense joy to racing fans. Partnering with Down Royal to name this race ‘The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase’ is a fitting tribute to a horse who gave so much to the sport.”
Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Envoi Allen added: “Down Royal was always a very special place for Envoi Allen, and he produced some of his absolute best performances on that track.
“To see the Grade 1 Champion Chase named in his memory is a wonderful touch. He brought our yard, Cheveley Park Stud, and racing fans so much happiness over the years, and it means a great deal to see him remembered in this way.”
Tickets are currently available for purchase at www.downroyal.com . General admission is priced at £20 for Friday 30th October and £25 for Saturday 31st October and children under 14 can enter free of charge.
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