Envoi Allen eases to maiden chasing victory

Jockey John Kennedy has praised Envoi Allen after an impressive run on his chasing debut at Down Royal on Friday.

The Gordon Elliott-trained charge went off as the heavy favourite in the Advance NI Scaffolding Beginners Chase, despite it being his debut over fences.

Envoi Allen, who was returning from a 233-day break, certainly didn’t disappoint as he beat January Jets by six lengths at Down Royal.

Kennedy was delighted with the six-year-old’s performance and insists he has no concerns ahead of a potential trip to Fairyhouse for the Grade One Drinmore Chase.

“It was brilliant. He jumped unbelievably ? as the race went on he didn’t waste any time in the air. He’s fairly straightforward and knows what he’s at. I would give him ten [out of ten] ? he knows how to race,” Kennedy said.

“He shortened up nicely at the last and quickened up well and while he only does what he has to do and I wouldn’t have learned an awful about him today I wouldn’t have any worries about him [going for the Drinmore Chase].”