Envoi Allen to skip Leopardstown as Elliott confirms Cheltenham Festival target

Envoi Allen will not run at this weekend's Dublin Racing Festival and will instead head straight to the Cheltenham Festival to tackle the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle, trainer Gordon Elliott confirmed on Friday morning.

Connections have opted not to declare the unbeaten six-year-old for the Grade 1 Chanelle Pharma Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday.

Elliott said: "We haven't declared Envoi Allen for Leopardstown. He's had three runs over hurdles and has plenty of experience. He'll go for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the festival."

Envoi Allen is a best-priced 6-4 favourite for the Cheltenham race and stablemate Abacadabras, who is second favourite for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, will also skip Leopardstown.

Abacadabras: will not run at LeopardstownCredit: Patrick McCann

Elliott added: "Abacadabras has had four runs over hurdles and we've decided he doesn't need another run before Cheltenham."

The trainer will be represented in Sunday's race by Easywork, who has won both his starts over hurdles and scored by 22 lengths at Limerick on his most recent start.

The rise of Envoi Allen

Matheson I.N.H. Flat Race, Leopardstown (Grade 2)
February 2, 2019

It was just over a year ago that Envoi Allen established himself as a potential top prospect on the jump racing scene. He had already won a point-to-point and two bumpers, including a Listed race at Navan, before his run at the Dublin Racing Festival. He secured his first Graded success by holding off the challenge of Meticulous to strike by a length and a quarter.

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Weatherbys Champion Bumper, Cheltenham (Grade 1)
March 13, 2019

The best horses live up to the hype on the biggest stage and the son of Muhtathir justified 2-1 favouritism to win the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, beating Blue Sari under Jamie Codd to record his first win at the top level.

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Envoi Allen won last season's Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival under Jamie CoddCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle, Down Royal
November 2, 2019

Envoi Allen made a winning start to life over hurdles and extended his unbeaten streak under rules to five with a commanding six-and-a-half length demolition from the front.

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Baroneracing.com Royal Bond Novice Hurdle, Fairyhouse (Grade 1)
December 1, 2019

He secured his first top-level victory over hurdles with another smooth success under Davy Russell, this time beating stablemate Abacadabras by a length and a half.

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Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle, Naas (Grade 1)
January 5, 2020

Envoi Allen once again made light work of his rivals on his way to becoming a dual top-level winner and this time he showcased his staying potential by scoring over 2m4f. It has been confirmed he will not run again before the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

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Supreme Novices' Hurdle full card and betting

Ballymore Novices' Hurdle full card and betting

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