Ballymore favourite Envoi Allen has Elliott purring after supreme hurdling debut

Envoi Allen made a promising start to his career over jumps with a dazzling victory in the 2m½f maiden hurdle at Down Royal, prompting bookmakers to cut him to as short as 3-1 for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Last season's Champion Bumper winner produced a fine front-running performance under Davy Russell to extend his unbeaten run under rules to five.

The JP McManus-owned pair Entoucas and Front View gave Envoi Allen something to think about briefly but the five-year-old kicked on after jumping the last to score comfortably.

Envoi Allen jumps the last en route to victory in the 2m½f maiden hurdle at Down RoyalCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Elliott, who has begun the season in typically good form, said: "He could be anything. He showed a lot of pace there and he won't be stepping up too much in trip for the time being.

"He's very good and he would have learned plenty there today too with his jumping. He'll probably go to Fairyhouse now for the Royal Bond Novice Hurdle."

"He's very exciting," said Russell. "You need a horse of his calibre to keep you at the top level and he seems to be going in the right direction. I was lucky enough to put on the silks for him today. It's a pleasure to be involved with him."

The winner of the Champion Bumper has not gone on to win the Ballymore for 20 years, with Monsignor the last horse to do the double.

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