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 31 October 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 1 November 2025 – marked his final, historic Grade 1 win at the track. 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.
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.”
“We’re delighted to once again welcome BetVictor as title sponsor to our The BetVictor Festival of Racing – from iconic horses on the track to the style and spectacle of Ladies Day – we look forward to creating an unforgettable experience for racegoers this October.”
Sam Boswell, Head of Sponsorship & Media for BetVictor, said: “BetVictor is proud to continue as primary sponsor of the Northern Ireland Festival of Racing for 2026. Envoi Allen was a true titan of National Hunt racing, and his extraordinary performances in this very race brought immense joy to racing fans. Partnering with Down Royal to name this race ‘The BetVictor Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase’ is a fitting tribute to a horse who gave so much to the sport.”
Henry de Bromhead, Irish racehorse Trainer and 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. He brought our yard, Cheveley Park Stud, and racing fans so much happiness over the years, and it means a great deal to see him remembered in this way.”
Tickets are currently available for purchase at www.downroyal.com. General admission is priced at £20 for Friday 30th October and £25 for Saturday 31st October and children under 14 can enter free of charge.
