Cork's Darragh O'Keeffe delivers another major sucecss on Envoi Allen

Doneraile jockey Darragh O'Keeffe is enjoying a golden spell and his Midas touch continued at Down Royal on Saturday afternoon. 

Envoi Allen landed the featured Grade One Ladbrokes Champion Chase in a race for the ages under a masterclass from the north Cork jockey. In the process, he denied the gallant Hewick in a pulsating finish.

Last year's King George winner Hewick was sent straight to the front by Jordan Gainford, tracked by the uneasy market leader Gerry Colombe who was a huge market drifter. Envoi Allen was ridden patiently by Darragh O'Keeffe but loomed large at the second last. 

At that juncture, Envoi Allen looked set for victory. However, he had to work hard to repel Shark Hanlon's charge with the huge crowd treated to a battle royale. 

Envoi Allen who loved it here retained his Champion Chase crown, having won it two years ago and he was denied by a neck last year. Gerri Colombe sent off a shade of odds-on was a well-beaten third. The market opposed him in the last few minutes and bookmakers couldn't give him away near the off.

IN FORM

The Doneraile jockey also landed the big race at Cheltenham last weekend with Senior Chief again for Henry De Bromhead. He also recorded a 74/1 treble at Wexford last weekend.

O'Keeffe has been the beneficiary in the absence of Rachael Blackmore. She sustained a neck injury at Downpatrick in September. 

An exact timeframe for her return hasn't been given. The 35-year-old was injured when parting company with her mount Hand Over Fist in a handicap chase at the County Down venue.

This was a ninth Grade One victory for Envoi Allen who has been a colossus for Cheveley Park. He was runner-up in last year's Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham and is now 12-1 with Paddy Power for the 2025 equivalent at the Cheltenham Festival, a race he won in 2023.