Elliott's 'horse of a lifetime' wins Drinmore

Envoi Allen was described by his trainer Gordon Elliott as “a horse of a lifetime” as the dual-Cheltenham festival winner remained unbeaten with another faultless display, in the four-runner Grade 1 Baroneracing.com Drinmore Novice Chase at Fairyhouse today.

The Cheveley Park Stud-owned son of Muhtathir frightened off meaningful opposition and while he started the 2/11 favourite, still impressed in beating Assemble by eight and a half lengths.

Three of the 14 fences were omitted due to the low-sun although the presence of scout cameras and new drone TV pictures showed Envoi Allen in a good light, as his gear-change after jumping the second-last added to the spectacle.

Envoi Allen was today maintaining an 11-race unbeaten record in a point-to-point, four bumpers, four hurdles and two chases, including two wins at consecutive Cheltenham Festivals.

Elliott previously admitted “I should have just shut my mouth” having hyped future Gold Cup winner Don Cossack, but today fell into the same trap with obvious talent Envoi Allen, declaring “he is a horse of a lifetime. He is a superstar and we are very lucky to have him.”

The Championship-chaser added “it was nerve-wracking watching him but it is great to have a horse like this. I don't get nervous too often but I get nervous watching this fellow.

“It was brilliant and he was foot-perfect and Jack was very happy with him. He quickened at the back of the second last and showed a bit of speed as well and couldn't have done any more than he did.

“The thing I liked about him today was he was having a good blow after the race as he is relaxed at home; he is getting older and is getting more sensible.

“He'll have one more run, then Cheltenham. He is entered in all the novice chases over Christmas but I'd say I'll go to Punchestown in January for a Grade 2 over 2m4f, and then go straight to Cheltenham.

“Mr and Mrs Thompson (Cheveley Park Stud) buy horses to have runners at Cheltenham and that is the plan with this fellow.

“He is Davy's (Russell, currently injured) horse to ride and hopefully he'll be back sooner rather than later.”