Lawlor's Of Naas next for Envoi Allen

Trainer Gordon Elliott revealed today at the launch of the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle at Naas Racecourse that his exiting prospect Envoi Allen will bypass the Christmas Festivals in favour of the Co. Kildare Grade 1 event which takes place on Sunday 5th January.

Elliott said: "Envoi Allen will skip Christmas and definitely runs in the Lawlor's Of Naas Novice Hurdle."

"It is a lucky race for us and is perfect for him. Naas is a very good track."

Elliott has won two of the last three runnings of the two and a half mile contest with Death Duty (2017) and Battleoverdoyen (2019).

Envoi Allen will be stepping up half a mile in distance as he attempts to extend his unbeaten record on the racecourse proper to seven straight wins which have already included two Grade 1 events.

The highly impressive Cheveley Park Stud owned five-year-old did win over this distance when winning his sole Point-to-Point when in the care of Colin Bowe.

Joseph O'Brien who is responsible for five of the 25 entries for the Lawlor's Of Naas contest said: "I may have to reroute some of mine to Leopardstown. Envoi Allen is an outstanding horse and we will avoid him as best we can. My likely runners in the race at this stage are Midnight Run and Embittered."

O'Brien reported his exciting Novice Chaser Fakir D'Oudairies to be in good shape ahead of his next engagement which will be in either of the two Grade 1 contests at Leopardstown on St. Stephen's Day.

Curragh trainer Martin Brassil is prepared to take on Envoi Allen with his Navan winner Longhouse Poet.

Brassil said: "he is a future chaser but jumps well and handles the ground and is progressive. We will find out his level of ability here. This is a good staying track, a great racetrack."

Local trainer Ted Walsh was also on hand to launch the Lawlor's Of Naas race and was full of praise for the venue: "Asking me about Naas is like asking a child about Christmas. I love everything about Naas.

"Naas is a top track and always has been. A good galloping track and well-maintained.There is a three furlong long straight and the only crime is if you come too soon, never too late."

Mercedes Bagnall, Sales & Marketing Manager of Lawlor’s of Naas Town Centre Hotel: ‘We are delighted to sponsor the Lawlor's of Naas Grade 1 Novice Hurdle and Winter Ladies Day. This is our sixth year and our partnership has proved successful as attendance has grown - as well as the quality of racing. Also, a big congratulations to Naas Racecourse on their award for Racecourse Of The Year 2019! Lawlor's is also developing in 2020 with 72 Luxury Bedrooms and a new Lawlor's Ballroom which will mean that like Naas Racecourse we will welcome more visitors to our town in 2020.’

Manager of Naas Racecourse Eamonn McEvoy commented: ‘Really looking forward to my first Lawlor’s day at Naas Racecourse. It’s fantastic to see two such established local businesses like Naas Racecourse and Lawlors Hotel working closely together to bring a very exciting Grade One hurdle to Irish racing fans. There are some high class entries in the race and what a track to get your Cheltenham prospects ready on.’