Envoi Allen's doting groom denied the chance to lead up her star at Cheltenham

Seainin Mahon, the groom who led up Envoi Allen before all 11 of his wins for Gordon Elliott, was unable to be at Cheltenham on Thursday to look after the superstar when he fell during his debut for Henry de Bromhead in the Marsh Novices' Chase.

Mahon had been expected to lead up Envoi Allen one last time at Cheltenham but Covid-19 protocols meant getting to the Cotswolds became a difficult journey and she elected to stay at home.

She explained: "I was supposed to be going over but, with the way things worked out with Covid protocols, there is a limited amount of staff going to Cheltenham this year.

"I didn't have another horse going over there and it would have been unfair of me taking the place of another member of staff who did have a horse going over. It's just the way it worked out this year unfortunately."

Before the race, Mahon said she was in little doubt Envoi Allen would record a third Cheltenham Festival win, but wished only to see the Cheveley Park-owned star return safe and well.

She added: "As long as he comes home in one piece I will be happy. I have no doubt that he will win. I'm obviously devastated I won't be over there but I'll be cheering him home the whole way.

"He's just an amazing horse. His character and nature – he's just so funny. You make friends with humans but people who work with horses, they become your best friends. I know they don't speak but you come to love their characteristics."

'The Tiger gave us the lift that we needed'

Cullentra House Stables may no longer be home to Envoi Allen but Tiger Roll did his bit to lift spirits at the yard when recording his fifth victory at the festival by running riot in the cross-country chase on Wednesday.

Tiger Roll has already returned home to Cullentra, according to Mahon, who believes the dual Grand National winner knew those around him needed a lift.

She said: "The Tiger gave us the lift that we needed. Tiger knew we needed it as well and he did us all proud. We are so proud of him. Myself and my housemate watched the race together and we were crying our eyes out three out. He means so much to everybody. Sometimes we take it for granted because we see him everyday but he is such an amazing horse. He's something else."

Mahon added: "He is home already and is safe and sound standing with his head over his door. There is not a bother on him. I have no doubt he knew we were all a bit down and he did his bit to cheer us all up."

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'What a bloody legend' – Tiger Roll joins elite club with fifth festival win

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