The evergreen ten-year-old Envoi Allen proved he could still mix it at Grade 1 level when narrowly denying a brave Hewick to claim his second Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.

The evergreen ten-year-old Envoi Allen proved he could still mix it at Grade 1 level when narrowly denying a brave Hewick to claim his second Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on Saturday.

The Cotswolds Chase at Cheltenham has been touted as a possible alternative for Gerri Colombe if he does not take up his expected engagement in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown over the Christmas period.

Gerri Colombe made a successful transition to open company when coming with a late rattle to deny Envoi Allen in the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase as Gordon Elliott threatens to go through the card at Down Royal.

Down Royal hosts the rescheduled Group 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase on Saturday, which has attracted a quality field of four top-class runners.