FOR many punters attending this years Cheltenham Festival, Envoi Allen holds the key to their fortunes.

Success or failure for the horse dubbed the “Irish Banker” will undoubtedly go a long way towards determining the outcome of their battle with bookmakers.

Gordon Elliott’s French-bred six-year-old has been there and delivered for punters before, landing a gamble in last season’s Champion Bumper. This year, like last, he will be accompanied on his journey to the Cotswolds by Seainin Mahon, his groom at home.

It really was a case of love at first sight when Seainin first set eyes on Envoi Allen. “I was there when he came off the lorry and there was just something about the horse that I liked,” she says.

“At first I didn’t know who he was or what ability he had but made up my mind that I wanted to look after him. Fortunately he was stabled in my barn that first year, so I was entrusted with his care immediately.”

Indeed, it was not until later that evening when she went home and looked up his form that Seainin discovered the reputation that her new charge came with. “I was thrilled to read that he had won his only point-to-point, before being sold for big money to join Gordon.”

In the days that followed, the horse’s ability became quite obvious, as the work riders were singing his praises after each piece of work.

Winning debut

A winning racecourse debut at Fairyhouse in December 2018, followed by further successes at Navan and Leopardstown respectively, saw Envoi Allen travel to last year’s Cheltenham bumper as a warm order.

What followed provided his Co Down-born groom with one of her greatest days in racing. “It was fantastic to be associated with a Festival winner, getting to lead him back in after the race. Although he had been expected to win, I was very nervous and was relieved when the race was over.”

Two years earlier, Seainin had traveled to Cheltenham with Death Duty another well fancied horse only to see that one well-beaten before unseating at the last. So, she, more than most, appreciates the good days, as they don’t come around very often.

Unless, of course, you happen to look after Envoi Allen; fast forward 12 months and the son of Muhtathir is back, this time as a leading fancy for the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle.

A perfect three from three over hurdles, including two wins at the highest level, sees him as very much the horse to beat in his chosen assignment. Despite being what she describes as “the perfect gentleman” at home, Seainin says that Envoi Allen really turns into a racehorse when he gets to the track.

“At home he is very playful, even having a football in his box,” she adds. “He basically eats and sleeps all day and just loves getting attention.”

Seainin admits to being nervous in the run up to his races as he is “one of the best I have looked after.”

The pressure of Envoi Allen being such a good horse, leads to great expectations and that isn’t lost on his groom. “I can’t sleep for a day or two before he races, not through worrying about him winning or losing, just that he comes back safe and sound.”

Envoi Allen, on the other hand, is loving all the attention bestowed on him in the build-up to Cheltenham.

“We had our press morning here the other day,” said Mahon. “Envoi Allen was the main attraction and I think he knew it! He had a real swagger about him, posing for the cameras. I think he just knows he is good – he is a real poser.”

The anticipation is building around the Elliott yard already with so many fancied horses to go to war with over the four days.

“Horses are doing their final pieces of work and the lads are chatting about what they think will run well,” said Seainin.

With a real close-knit team at Gordon Elliott’s, Seainin is keen to point out that it’s not just her looking after the stable star. “Eleri Apps is in charge of the barn that Envoi Allen is in this year, even though I still look after him. So naturally we share some of the work and Eleri is an important part of the horse’s success. Keith Donoghue rides Envoi Allen out at home every day so knows him better than most.”

Prior to this season, Seainin Mahon credits General Principle’s Irish Grand National win as her highlight thus far. However, that may be about to change should Envoi Allen come up that famous hill in front for the second year in succession and in doing so, win one of the biggest races at the Festival. It would certainly take a brave man to bet against him.