Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1)

ENVOI Allen (3/1) repeated his victory of 2022 in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Steeplechase at Down Royal after a thrilling battle with Hewick.

Gerri Colombe went off 8/11 favourite to retain his crown from last year, however, the eight-year-old gelding was in trouble in third approaching the second-last fence.

Hewick, who picked the lead up after the second obstacle, was still at the head of affairs, but Envoi Allen loomed large in his wing mirrors two out.

The latter took a narrow lead under Darragh O’Keeffe before the last and held a rallying Hewick by half a length after both horses gave everything on the run-in.

Henry de Bromhead said: “Obviously, it is a shame for Rachael (Blackmore, injured) but delighted for Darragh, he gave him a super ride and he has really stepped up. Fair play to him, he is taking his opportunities.”

Tremendous supporters

“Cheveley Park (Stud, owners) are tremendous supporters of ours and the game, so delighted for them as well.

“He was brilliant and jumped great. He travelled so well. Probably better ground than last year I would have said as well - that would have helped us.

“I thought when we got under the last, we were going to get done again, but he battled really well.

“That King George (at Kempton) keeps coming back into my head, I feel we have unfinished business there.”

Hewick’s jockey, Jordan Gainford, was hit with a nine-day ban for frequency with the whip.

Gordon Elliott saddled four winners on the card (and eight across the two-day Festival of Racing), with Romeo Coolio justifying 2/13 odds with the minimum of fuss in the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle.

Sam Ewing sent the KTDA Racing representative to the front three out and he stretched away after the next to come in by 18 lengths.

Elliott said: “I think he was almost foot-perfect - even down to the last, he got in close to it and quick away from it. A great performance, he jumped class.

“I imagine the Royal Bond (at Fairyhouse) will be where he goes, all being well.”

FOUND A Fifty (11/10 favourite) made his seasonal reappearance in the Grade 2 Bottlegreen Ladies Day 2024 Steeplechase and successfully gave weight away to his main rival Pinkerton.

The race effectively developed into a match and, try as Pinkerton did, he couldn’t reel in Found A Fifty after two out, as Sam Ewing drove the favourite home by two and a quarter lengths for Bective Stud.

Elliott said: “It was a good performance. He (Ewing) said he had a nice blow, and gave a stone to the second horse.

“You’d have to think something like that (John Durkan at Punchestown). He could go up in trip, or you could take him back to two miles the way he jumps.”

Lisa’s choice

Kala Conti made the best way home to land the Eventsec Handicap Hurdle over the extended two miles for Elliott and Robcour.

The 4/1 shot led for Carl Millar on the run-in and forged on best to see off Helvic Dream by a length and three-quarters.

The trainer said: “Lisa (O’Neill, assistant trainer) is the only judge we have, because she said she would win and we all went for the other one (Golden Joy, ninth)!

“She’s not a bad mare and she had graded form last year. I thought she would need the run to be honest.”

When asked if she will go back into graded company, he replied: “I wouldn’t rule it out.

“There’s a good mares’ hurdle in Dublin (Leopardstown, Dublin Racing Festival), which has good money.”

Successful graduation

Elliott’s Classical Creek (2/9 favourite) graduated to the track in good style in the Ladbrokes (Pro-Am) INH Flat Race.

The point-to-point winner made virtually all for a comfortable victory by a length and three-quarters in the hands of Harry Swan, who sported the Gigginstown House Stud silks.

Lisa O’Neill said: “He’s a lovely horse and he has been doing everything nicely at home.

“Harry did the right thing on him when they weren’t going overly quick, he sent him on and you’d have to be pleased with what he did. He’s only going to improve from it as well.

“He’s a lovely prospect. Gordon tends to send a nice one here and there was plenty of confidence behind him.”

IN-form Prairie Angel (11/10 favourite) won for the fourth time in her last five races, when scooting home in the Lisburn And Castlereagh City Council 3-Y-O Hurdle.

Danny Mullins’ mount had the opposition toiling before the final flight and galloped home by three and a quarter lengths for trainer Joseph O’Brien and owners, Sean Sweeney and Kieran O’Hare.

Mullins said: “I think she could (step up to graded level). With all the juveniles, they have to keep stepping up each step of the ladder, but she is going the right way. The little bit of rawness she showed there today leaves more improvement in her.”

Mark Walsh, on third-placed Janes Harbour, picked up a two-day suspension for riding carelessly.

History Of Fashion sprang a 40/1 shock in the Eventco Marquees Handicap Steeplechase over three miles.

The 10-year-old gelding was always to the fore under Harry Sexton and regained the lead on the run to the final fence. He stayed on well to post a two-length success for the Don’t Hold Me Back Syndicate.

Trainer Pat Fahy said: “He was second in the Porterstown (at Fairyhouse last December). If he comes up enough (in weights), he will go to the Porterstown, absolutely.

“When you have only a few of them, you need things to go right and sure the ground was right up here.”