'Funny and quirky' Envoi Allen to be reunited with doting groom at Cheltenham

After the heartbreak of seeing her pride and joy removed from her care last week, Envoi Allen's devoted groom Seainin Mahon is set to share one last moment with the unbeaten superstar at Cheltenham.

Envoi Allen was one of eight Cheveley Park-owned horses removed from Elliott's yard last week after a shocking photograph of the trainer sitting on a dead horse emerged on social media.

Elliott has since had his licence withdrawn for six months, with a further six-month sanction suspended, by the IHRB with Denise 'Sneezy' Foster taking over the licence at Elliott's Cullentra House yard.

In a thoughtful gesture that lends a compassionate footnote to events of the last ten days, Envoi Allen's new trainer, Henry de Bromhead, has invited Mahon to lead up next Thursday's Marsh Novices' Chase favourite at the festival – an opportunity the 30-year-old is relishing after an emotional period.

Envoi Allen: the apple of Seainin Mahon's eyeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"It would be fantastic to have one last time with my main man at Cheltenham," she said on Wednesday.

"Hopefully if things go to plan in the yard I'll be able to get over after Henry and his team asked me if I'd like to lead him up – it's something I've obviously jumped at the chance to do."

De Bromhead, who also received the Cheveley Park-owned Ballyadam, Malone Road, Quilixios and Guily Billy, added: "Seainin was down on Sunday to see him and we've said she's very welcome to [help with the horse at Cheltenham]. It's up to her and needs to be confirmed, but we'd love her to help out as much as she wants to with him. We'd be delighted."

Mahon's affinity with the two-time Cheltenham Festival winner has been clear for all to see throughout the seven-year-old's glittering career.

She has sported painted nails in the colours of Cheveley Park, as well as a scarf and dog jumper for her Jack Russell knitted in the same style and a facemask with an image of Envoi Allen across the front.

Seainin Mahon: sports a facemask with the image of Envoi Allen in full flightCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"It might sound a bit silly, but I've been heartbroken at losing him," said Mahon. "It's almost been like losing one of my family members, I've cried for days and I'm still missing him. I drove down to see him on Sunday at Henry's and then broke my heart again leaving him."

"It's been a horrible time for everyone here. Losing the horses was hard and even the social media abuse, as much as you try not to read it, was tough. People may not realise that there's a team behind Gordon as well, it's not just him."

Mahon believes the exceptional novice is well equipped to overcome the change in routine and location just 16 days ahead of the festival, outlining the characteristics she sees in the outstanding talent.

"He just loves life, everything is like a big game to him," she explained. "He's always happy in whatever he does. He's funny, quirky and then the superstar that he is on the track."

"He's so chilled out about life I'd imagine the move will be easy enough for him. He's used to travelling back and forth to Cheltenham.

"You never know about moving so close to the meeting, but everyone at Henry's has been telling me they'll look after him well – I have no doubt they'll treat him like a king."

De Bromhead also confirmed Envoi Allen has not had to change his usual feed since the move.

The trainer's string are fed on Bluegrass Horse Feed, the same brand as the former Elliott star had been used to at Cullentra.

He said: "Envoi Allen looked super when he arrived, they all did, and he seems really well. We're really happy with him. We use the same feed as Gordon."

Read more on Envoi Allen:

'Of course there's extra pressure' – De Bromhead looks forward with Envoi Allen

'Shocking' image forced Cheveley Park to remove their horses from Gordon Elliott

Nicholls: switching yards so close to Cheltenham Festival a risky prospect

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