The first Grade 1 of the Irish jumps season takes place at Down Royal on Saturday, and seven go to post for the BetVictor, Remembering Envoi Allen Champion Chase at 3.15pm. The three-mile contest now carries the name of its only three-time winner, and with the ground yielding, it should be a searching test for a field in which two of the market leaders have a stamina question to answer.

Henry de Bromhead has won three of the last four runnings with Envoi Allen, and he relies on Ryanair Chase winner Heart Wood, who heads the betting as he steps back up to three miles. Gordon Elliott has won the race five times and saddles three-time Grade 1-winning novice chaser Romeo Coolio, while Paul Townend travels north to ride Rebecca Curtis’ Haiti Couleurs.

1. Affordale Fury – Noel Meade/Sam Ewing

Landed a massive gamble to win last year’s Savills Chase at Leopardstown after steadily improving his chase form. Had been second at Gowran Park over 2m4f on his return behind another subsequent Grade 1 winner before finishing as the runner-up to Envoi Allen here 12 months ago. That was a very solid effort behind the superstar course specialist and he took steps forward thereafter. Was found to be lame after the Irish Gold Cup, but returns to conditions which suit him and easy to see him involved.

2. Banbridge – Joseph O’Brien/J J Slevin

Still capable of a high level of form, as seen when going within a nose of defending his King George title at Kempton last season. Finished ahead of Gaelic Warrior and Jango Baie that day before struggling in the spring, as he has done for the past two seasons. Has also tended to struggle fresh in recent years, but a pipe opening victory on the flat in September may have blown the cobwebs away already. Should enjoy the demands of this track and has solid claims of being third 10yo+ winner in a row.

3. Croke Park – Gordon Elliott/Danny Gilligan

Two-time Grade 1 winner as a novice chaser two seasons when taking advantage of early-season fitness. Has subsequently paid the price for lobbing a top level penalty against equally able competitors which appears to have dented his confidence. No longer has that burden, though he never did in this company and form still much lower on return when 22-length second at Punchestown. Needs to rediscover his form quickly to not be outclassed here.

4. Fleur In The Park – Andrew Slattery/Cian Quirke

Very consistent novice hurdler who has made into an even better chaser for trainer enjoying a purple patch. Only won two of six starts last term, but was only once out of the first two and claimed a shock Grade 1 success at Fairyhouse in April. Showed that he could repeat that level when second in Punchestown Festival Grade 1 too and his win on reappearance suggests he really is classy. This company demands more, but he could prove up to it.

5. Haiti Couleurs – Rebecca Curtis/Paul Townend

Brilliant and bold winner of last season’s Welsh National off 11st 13lb who has evidently been a joy for connections to watch. Also won Newbury Grade 2 to prepare for the Gold Cup, where things went awry early even though he dug in to still lead three from home. Also struggled in the Grand National off heady mark, but has form which should see him threaten in Grade 1s when the time is right. This test may not emphasise stamina enough but he is not discounted.

6. Heart Wood – Henry de Bromhead/Darragh O’Keeffe

Useful chase who found another gear last term to make it in the big leagues. Won a pair of Grade 3s at Punchestown and Tramore either side of a distant fourth in a bizarre renewal of the John Durkan Chase. That hinted at what was to come, as he blitzed the field in a depleted Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Disappointed at Aintree to conclude last year, but well worth a go back upped to 3m with the rain staying away and sets the standard at his best.

7. Romeo Coolio – Gordon Elliott/Jack Kennedy

The apple of his trainer and jockey’s eye who was a top class novice chaser last term. Won four on the bounce, including wiping the floor with subsequent Grade 1 winner Koktail Divin on debut here 12 months ago. Followed up with a trio of Grade 1s, the latter two on sufference over 2m1f, beating Arkle heroine Kargese at the Dublin Racing Festival. Bombed when upped to 3m at the Cheltenham Festival, but every chance he bounces back here having long looked a staying chaser and given yard’s excellent record at this meeting.

Down Royal Champion Chase Racecard

Joe Napier’s Down Royal Champion Chase Selections

Heart Wood sets the form standard, while Affordale Fury, Banbridge and Fleur In The Park are all feared, while Haiti Couleurs is also foolish to discount. However, ROMEO COOLIO should make a 3m chaser despite his Cheltenham flop and having excelled at this venue in 2025, can make a winning return to claim a fifth Grade 1. Banbridge is feared most ahead of Heart Wood.

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