Down Royal Racecourse and title sponsor BetVictor have announced that the feature race of the upcoming Festival of Racing, will be renamed in honour of National Hunt racehorse Envoi Allen, who passed away earlier this year.

The Grade 1 highlight, set for The BetVictor Festival of Racing on Saturday October 31, 2026, will be renamed The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase which will pay homage to the legendary ten-time Grade 1 winner whose extraordinary affinity with the Lisburn track defined modern National Hunt history.

Envoi Allen made Down Royal his personal domain, competing at the venue seven times and capturing three victories in the Champion Chase (2022, 2024, and 2025).

His triumphant performance on Saturday November 1, 2025 marked his final, historic Grade 1 win at the track.

Down Royal renames race after Envoi Allen. Pic credit: Down Royal

placeholder image — Down Royal renames race after Envoi Allen. Pic credit: Down Royal

Following his tragic passing at Cheltenham earlier this year, the renaming stands as a lasting legacy to one of jump racing’s most cherished stars.

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Emma Meehan, Chief Executive at Down Royal Racecourse commented: “Envoi Allen held a truly unique place in the hearts of everyone at Down Royal.

"From his early days through to his historic third Champion Chase victory last November, he delivered some of the most memorable moments ever witnessed at our track.

"Renaming our Grade 1 flagship race in his memory ensures his legacy remains permanently woven into the fabric of our BetVictor Festival of Racing.”

Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Envoi Allen: “Down Royal was always a very special place for Envoi Allen, and he produced some of his absolute best performances on that track. To see the Grade 1 Champion Chase named in his memory is a wonderful touch."