Envoi Allen team eyeing another King George challenge

The 10-year-old lifted the Ladbrokes Champion Chase for a second time in Northern Ireland after winning a protracted duel with Hewick.

Trainer Henry De Bromhead has indicated that another trip to the King George could come under consideration and Thompson would be happy to head to Kempton.

“He’s a 16-times winner, a nine-times Grade One winner and a three-times Cheltenham Festival winner – it’s unbelievable,” Thompson said.

“He’s a 10-year-old now and he’s won that race at Down Royal twice now and was just beat on the line in it last year (by Gerri Colombe). He’s danced a lot of dances and he’s had some tough days as well, but it looks like he’s come back in good form.

“He’s a marvellous horse and we’ve been so lucky with him and A Plus Tard and Allaho, the three of them have been real stars.

“He owes us nothing and if Henry believes he should go for the King George, I’d be happy to,” Thompson went on.

“There’s nothing I like better on a Boxing Day than going to the King George and last year was exciting with Allaho, who I thought for a few seconds might go and win (finished third).

“Henry reckons Envoi had some issues when he ran in it two years ago. We’ll do whatever he thinks is right, but the King George would be great.”