Envoi Allen returned to the winners’ enclosure at Down Royal holding off Hewick after a thrilling duel to win the Ladbrokes Champion Chase.
Trained by Henry de Bromhead and ridden by Darragh O’Keefe, in the absence of injured jockey Rachael Blackmore, it was a second victory in the race in three years for the 10-year old.
In this first Grade One race of the National Hunt season in Ireland, last season’s King George VI winner Hewick was the frontrunner before being joined by the 3/1 second favourite at the penultimate fence.
Hewick, who was a 4-1 shot, came back again but O’Keefe had enough to hold off the challenger and claim the 90,000 Euro first prize.
Last year’s winner and 8-11 favourite Gerri Colombe finished a disappointing third 13 lengths back for trainer Gordon Elliott and Templepatrick jockey Sam Ewing.
Hewick’s jockey Jordan Gainford put pressure on those in behind by gradually upping the tempo with last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up among those to be found wanting as he lost ground with a poor jump at the fifth from last fence.
A delighted De Bromhead said: “Obviously, it is a shame for Rachael, but delighted for Darragh, he gave him a super ride and he has really stepped up.
“Fair play to him, he is taking his opportunities.”
De Bromhead said that Envoi Allen could now be aimed at the King George at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.
