Marsh Novices' Chase result, report and free video replay from the Cheltenham Festival
Chantry House led home a one-two for Nicky Henderson in the Marsh Novices' Chase as hot favourite Envoi Allen crashed out at the fourth fence.
The 4/9 market leader made an uncharacteristic error and paid the penalty under Jack Kennedy but thankfully both horse and jockey were unscathed.
Shan Blue tried to take the race by the scruff of the neck inside the final mile but faded in the closing stages having led on the turn for home.
That left the Seven Barrows pair to fight it out with Chantry House, a first winner of the week for owner JP McManus, was always doing enough to fend off his brave stablemate by three lengths.
RESULT: 1.20 Cheltenham - Marsh Novices' Chase
1st CHANTRY HOUSE 9/1
2nd Fusil Raffles 14/1
3rd Asterion Forlonge 14/1
Click here or on the image below to watch the free video replay
Henderson was saddling his 70th Festival winner and told Racing TV: "It shows you have to be there and if given the opportunity you have to grab it. Luckily both horses have run fantastic races. It was sad to see Envoi Allen go but it left the door wide open and it’s a pity if you can't grab the opportunity then. I’m very proud of both of them.
"Chantry House was third to Shishkin in the Sky Bet Supreme last year and we really thought he wanted two-and-a-half miles then. Today he looked like he nearly wanted three. He was in top gear from down the back and he’s come back on the bridle and quickened to win well.
"Three miles will be on the agenda fairly shortly, I’d imagine. Well see how he comes out of it and if we were going to Aintree I would be thinking about three miles there.
“Nobody needs reminding what a supporter JP is of National Hunt racing and of Seven Barrows. We have quite a squad for him this week, all lovely horses, and it's great to get him on the scoreboard."
Credit given to trainer
De Boinville added: “Third in the Supreme last year, all credit to the team at home for bringing him back. He slightly suffered in the soft ground round here in December, but I’m just absolutely delighted. I hope that Envoi Allen is all right.
“To be fair, I didn’t even know he’d come down. I was wondering when he was going to come and pick me up in the straight, it’s news to me when and where he went.
“Never discount Nicky Henderson round here, or ever. It’s been a tough couple of months, but the horses seem to be returning to form and I trust in the guv’nor.”
Asterion run delights connections
Willie Mullins, trainer of third-placed Asterion Forlonge said: “I’m very, very happy. He jumped straight and galloped the whole way to the line. I thought we had a little chance coming to the third last, but the ones in front just kept galloping. I’m very pleased with this fella and we’re thinking about potentially Fairyhouse for him next.”
Henry de Bromhead, trainer of Envoi Allen said: "Jack (Kennedy, jockey) just said he was a little bit keen. He just launched at the fence, unfortunately, and that was it. I've had a look at him though and he looked fine, and Jack's fine too, so that's good."
Bookmaker reaction
Sky Bet gave the winner a 14/1 quote for next year's Cheltenham Gold Cup. Head of Sports PR Michael Shinners said: "After the departure of Envoi Allen the race was blown wide open. Chantry House has always been well thought of and won very well.
"It will be interesting in connections keep him to the intermediate distance or look to campaign him as a Gold Cup horse."
Next Off
Most Followed
MOST READ RACING
