The holiday season is finally over, and with it, we had plenty of exciting matches on Boxing Day. It’s not just football and the return of the Premier League. Horse races are exceptional during Christmas events and delight punters and horse racing addicts. This year’s events haven’t disappointed except for one thing – the absence of two-time Cheltenham Ryanair Chase Allaho.
Trained by Willie Mullins, the horse was the ante-post favorite for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park. It enjoyed a perfect season last term and started this one in style, winning a bunch of April events, including Day 3 at Cheltenham. But, for some reason, he went missing during this year’s Christmas events, and some people have a good idea why.
Proving His Versatility
Allaho had a fantastic year last term. He floored his opponents at Cheltenham for the second time in a row. He also proved his versatility at Punchestown following an earlier January win at Thurles. The eight-year-old bay gelding was tipped as the favorite for this year’s Christmas events. The best offers from large betting companies, such as Ladbrokes, had a great starting point for Mullins’ horse, but to everyone’s surprise, the iconic trainer decided to go with other runners.
Officially, it was an injury setback. Allaho had some problems, but his health was never in doubt as we saw him on different tracks. Mullins was mulling over a Clonmel Oil Chase return for the two-time Ryanair Chase winner, but that didn’t happen as well. According to experts, this was done intentionally. Mullins is simply easing him in return and prepping the gelding for a three-peat at Cheltenham next year.
It was still odd not to see Allaho run at the Christmas events. Willie Mullins entered Blue Lord, Haute en Couleurs, and Tornado Flyer for these events. The owners also have a second-string entry in Envoi Allen, who previously won the Down Royal Champion Chase. With more than 20 Grade Ones in four years from only a few horses, everything is a bonus for the owners.
According to Willie Mullins, Allaho will be ready for Cheltenham. It was a big risk to enter the Christmas events, and his prized possession is poised for a hat-trick on day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival.
Allaho is the odds-on favorite to win the race for the third time at 7/4. Bookies have already published the odds for the March chase, with Bankstown and Blue Lord following in his trail. Shishkin is on the list, too, followed by Bravemansgame, Galopin Des Champs, and Fakir dOudaires. Of course, all eyes will be on Allaho, who can create history by winning it three times.
A Unique Feat
Since its inception in 2005, the Ryanair Chase has been won twice by two horses – Albertas Run in 2010 and 2011 and Allaho in 2020 and 2021. Winning the race thrice is a feat that will go down in the history books. Of course, it won’t be an easy feat, but it will surely be one that Mullins craves.
That’s most likely the major reason why he spared Allaho from the Christmas events. Fans were not satisfied with it, but the trainer wasn’t too concerned. In this way, Allaho gets some much-needed rest before the March spectacle, where he can make history.
It will surely be an impressive feat not just for the horse but for the trainer too. The legendary Irish ex-jockey is the most decorated trainer at the Cheltenham Festival, with 88 trophies. That’s not just for the Ryanair Chase. His runners have won the Arkle Challenge four times, the Gold Cup twice, and the Champion Hurdle four times, and he has five Ryanair Chase trophies behind his name. Maybe he’ll add a sixth one in 2023. But, even if he doesn’t, the Irishman’s resume is impressive. He won’t give it much of a thought – he’ll just probably calm down with some golf.
One thing’s for sure – with Allaho skipping the Christmas events, he’ll be ready for the Cheltenham Festival. It will be a blast to watch, and with odds already out by major bookies, it’s time to put the money down on a choice. Which one is yours?
