He was to retire after today’s race following a glittering career
A third horse has died at this year’s Cheltenham Festival in Gloucestershire.
Envoi Allen collapsed and died after finishing ninth in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup.
The 12-year-old was having the final start of his glittering career in today’s race – his eighth appearance in all at the historic event – with owners Cheveley Park Stud having confirmed he would retire following his run in the blue riband.
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Envoi Allen won 10 Grade Ones in total, having started out with Gordon Elliott before moving to Henry de Bromhead.
He was widely regarded as one of the most talented horses of his generation, particularly during an unbeaten streak that spanned his first 13 races.
While the race was overshadowed by the loss, the Willie Mullins-trained Gaelic Warrior secured a dominant victory under Paul Townend, leading home a field that included runner-up Jango Baie and third-placed Inothewayurthinkin.
Earlier this week, Richard Thompson of Cheveley Park Stud described him as the “horse of a lifetime”.
“To have a horse run at eight Festivals in a row and win 10 Grade Ones is truly unbelievable,” he added.