Envoi Allen dies moments after final ever race at Cheltenham Gold Cup

Cheltenham legend Envoi Allen has died after collapsing moments after his final ever race at the Gold Cup.

Gaelic Warrior crossed the finishing line in first place after seeing off Harry Redknapp’s Jukebox Man in an exhilarating race on the final day of action at Prestbury Park.

But there was immediate concern for Envoi Allen with ITV Racing reporting the twelve-year-old needed urgent treatment away from the celebrations.

The three-time Festival winner was on his way back to the stables when he collapsed off-camera with vets attending.

It has since been confirmed the veteran horse has tragically passed away.

Trained by Henry de Bromhead with Darragh O’Keeffe the jockey for the showpiece race of the day, Friday’s Gold Cup was to be Envoi Allen’s final race before a well-earned retirement.

ITV Racing presenter Ed Chamberlin said: ‘I’m afraid we are saying goodbye to another hero because on the way back to the paddock, Envoi Allen collapsed and he was immediately attended to by a team of vets but sadly passed away.’

A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse also confirmed: “Envoi Allen was immediately attended to by a team of vets but sadly passed away.

‘We send our heartfelt condolences to all connections’

Envoi Allen won the 2019 Champion Bumper, the 2020 Novices’ Hurdle and the 2023 Ryanair Chase.

‘Devastating. Lynne [Persson], who looks after him, is absolutely devastated,’ said owner De Bromhead’s travelling head girl Zoe Jane Smalley.

‘The lads are home, Davy Roche [Head man at De Bromhead’s training yard], all the team at home – you never want to see it happen to a horse.

‘He was a really special horse. He was amazing. I’m just pleased that it was quick, painless in a place that he loved.’

Envoi Allen is the third horse to pass away at this year’s festival with Hansard suffering an injury in the Arkle on the opening day, forcing him to be put down.

HMS Seahorse also died after a bad fall on Wednesday.

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