The 2019 Cheltenham Festival was a remarkable success for Cheveley Park Stud with victories for ENVOI ALLEN in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Grade 1) and A PLUS TARD in the Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed). It was quite incredible, therefore, that results at this year’s Cheltenham Festival managed to surpass those of 12 months ago. From a squad of only four Cheveley Park Stud runners – all in Grade 1 contests – two victories and two third-place finishes were achieved.
Gordon Elliott sent out ENVOI ALLEN to score again at The Festival, taking the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle in impressive fashion under Davy Russell. Since joining Gordon Elliott, Envoi Allen is unbeaten in eight starts under rules, including four Grade 1s, and he is undoubtedly one of the most exciting prospects in training. FERNY HOLLOW provided the other Festival winner in the Weatherbys Champion Bumper, making it back-to-back victories in the contest for Cheveley Park Stud. Sent of at odds of 11/1, Ferny Hollow cut through the entire field, passing 22 rivals to win by a widening 2 1/2 lengths for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend. ALLAHO and A PLUS TARD completed the squad and they both finished gallant thirds, beaten under two lengths, in the RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase and the Ryanair Chase, respectively.