WEATHERBYS CHAMPION

BUMPER (GRADE 1)

UNBEATEN, unbowed and undeniably one of the finest prospects in training, Envoi Allen completed a perfect season with a display that contained class and courage in equal measure.

As he rounded off a strong finish to the second day for the rallying Gordon Elliott, this five-year-old once again showed the qualities that prompted Cheveley Park Stud to part with £400,000 to secure him at auction 13 months ago. In making it four wins from as many starts Envoi Allen continues to reward the considerable faith of his connections while prompting thoughts of what he might achieve when he is sent jumping.

A welter of late support saw Jamie Codd’s mount head the market at 2/1 for the smallest field ever assembled in the race’s 27 year history and the distinguished amateur opted to chart wide and safe passage aboard Envoi Allen. In a race that didn’t appear to be run at that strong a pace the winner looked perfectly positioned on the downhill run for him but suddenly it seemed the whole field wanted to be on the outer strip of ground occupied by the favourite.

Envoi Allen had to fight his corner but the strapping gelding was more than equal to the task and he picked up smartly when required to move on from his stablemate Abacadabras with over a furlong to run. At this point the Willie Mullins-trained four-year-old Blue Sari arrived with a tremendous charge that looked as though it might carry him past.

Just as he did at Navan before Christmas and at Leopardstown last month, Envoi Allen found more when danger loomed and he defeated his younger rival by three-parts of a length. Thyme Hill came through to secure third ahead of Abacadabras.

“He knows how to win and he wants to win. His future will be as a three-mile chaser eventually, he’ll go hurdling next season, and all I know is that he’s a real one,” exclaimed Elliott.

“Jamie was very good on him too. We felt it was important for him to get into a rhythm and not get knocked around so the outer was the best place for him.

“I thought it was a very good performance to give the four-year-old (Blue Sari) 8lbs and after he’s won today I would imagine he will be left off until next autumn.”

This was a second victory in this race for an emotional Codd, who said: “It’s an emotional day and we’ve had a tough year after losing my brother last year. He’s up there looking down and I hope he’s very proud. William was a big supporter of mine when I started riding and, god, I wish he was here.”

Willie Mullins indicated that the Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival could be on the cards for the runner-up.