Love Envoi ran in her final ever race on Tuesday in the Mares’ Hurdle, in which she finished fifth behind the formidable Lossiemouth. She has been the most fantastic mare for us, and we are all so proud of everything she has achieved. We will miss her in the yard, but we’re also excited to see how she gets on at stud in her next career as a broodmare.
Cheltenham, Thursday
We’ve just one runner at Cheltenham on Thursday, in the form of In Excelsis Deo, who runs in the Plate Handicap Chase (16:10). We decided to wait for this race and step him up in trip here, having campaigned him over two miles so far this season. We felt that, since the Grand Annual has been moved to the Wednesday and is, therefore, run on the Old Course, where the emphasis is on those front-running horses, it would be hard to get into the race from off the pace, which is how he likes to be ridden.
As a result, we think it’s now worth stepping up in trip in the Plate, which is on the New Course and allows for more time to get into the race. It was unfortunate that he unseated last time out at Sandown, but he has schooled well since and we hope he can put up a good performance.
Best of luck,
Harry