Envoi Allen and Monkfish on course for epic showdown at Punchestown

Envoi Allen and Jack Kennedy on their way to an easy victory in the Killiney Novice Chase at PunchestownCredit: Patrick McCann

A clash between the top two in the market for the 2022 Cheltenham Gold Cup moved a step closer on Tuesday when Henry de Bromhead and Willie Mullins revealed Envoi Allen and Monkfish are on course to meet on the opening day of the Punchestown festival.

The Grade 1 Dooley Insurance Group Champion Novice Chase on April 27, last won by Delta Work in 2019, has emerged as Envoi Allen's next intended target after he was not among the dozen remaining entries for the Underwriting Exchange Gold Cup Novice Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday, although the exciting Energumene could run.

De Bromhead felt he would have been rushing Envoi Allen back for Sunday's Grade 1 following his shock early exit in the Marsh at Cheltenham, and said: "Sadly the race at Fairyhouse just came too soon for Envoi Allen and we will wait for Punchestown instead.

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David JenningsDeputy Ireland editor

Published on 30 March 2021inNews

Last updated 10:53, 31 March 2021

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