Envoi Allen wins the Ryanair Chase in the third race of Day Three at the Cheltenham Festival 

Envoi Allen produced a huge upset in triumphing in the Ryanair Chase in the third day of the Cheltenham Festival‘s third day. 

Pre-race favourite Shishkin stumbled in the final few hurdles to leave it all to do coming into the finish, and was unable to live up to early billing. 

The horse coming in at evens had looked frenetic throughout the early stages of the race, while Envoi Allen’s run was timed well, remaining near the front of the pack in good position before racing clear at the line. 

‘He’s an incredible horse, he really is,’ Blackmore told ITV after the race. ‘He’s got phenomenal engine and I was always hoping he could do something like that in this company some day and fair play to Henry and all the team, they got him there today – he was electric.

‘It’s lovely when you’re able to take back a little bit there, he jumped very well today and was a much happier horse today than he was the other day. It’s phenomenal. 

Rachael Blackmore and Envoi Allen won the Ryanair Chase in a thrilling third race on Day Three at Cheltenham

‘This is such a magnificent place, I feel so lucky to walk back into the Winner’s Enclosure here. 

And when asked about the prospects of A Plus Tard in tomorrow’s Gold Cup, Blackmore added: ‘Yeah I think he seems to suit any conditions i wouldn’t be worried in any way with him with regard to the conditions. Look he hasn’t had the most ideal preparation but he’s been working really well recently and we’re happy for him so we’ll see what happens! 

Later to come on the third day are the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle (3.30), the Plate Handicap Chase (4.10), and the Mares Novices’ Hurdle (4.50).

The Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup at 5.30pm will round off the third day before the final day of the event on Friday.

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