A TILT at the Champion Hurdle is still a possibility for Envoi Allen.
The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old preserved his perfect record over hurdles with a comfortable win in the Lawlor’s Of Naas Novice Hurdle on Sunday.
His odds were slashed into 6-4 for the Ballymore on the back of that success, while he is 7-1 for the Supreme.
But Chris Richardson, managing director of owners Cheveley Park Stud, said the Champion Hurdle was still a potential option.
He said: “It was fantastic to see him win again, and Gordon tells me he is absolutely fine this morning – which is great.
“Whether he’ll run again (before Cheltenham) is debatable. We’ll be guided by the horse, but Cheltenham is obviously the big target.
“I’d imagine he’ll be entered in a few races (at Cheltenham), including the Champion Hurdle.
“We’ll see how the horse is and discuss things with Gordon and his team and Mr and Mrs Thompson nearer the time.
“We’ll assess all the options. The sensible thing would be to stay against novices, but we’ll let the horse do the talking.”
He continued: “I thought he jumped very well, and it was a proper race – I think the first and second are both very good horses.
“He (Envoi Allen) seems to be the ultimate professional.
“He’s a big horse, who I would hope can still strength up further in time. I hope he’ll be around for a good few years.
“The crowd at Naas was fantastic, and the reception he got when he returned to the winner’s enclosure was exceptional.
“It’s a bit like Enable and Stradivarius on the Flat – these horses build up a great following, and it’s very exciting to be involved with one like him in National Hunt circles.”
