Enovi Allen and Monkfish lock horns at Punchestown Festival
- Kevin Palmer
- 26 April 2021
Enovi Allen v Monkfish is the heavyweight showdown on day one of the Punchestown Festival and legendary jockey Ruby Walsh believes it will be a race to savour.
Irish racing is on a high after the glorious triumphs at the Cheltenham Festival and Rachael Blackmore's magical Grand National win and now they are targeting more success on home soil.
The battle between Henry De Bromhead's Envoi Allen and the Willie Mullins-trained Monkfish will be one of the highlights of the Festival.
"Things didn't go to plan for Envoi Allen as he fell at Cheltenham, but I think we have a hell of a horse race when he goes head-to-head with Monkfish at Punchestown," Walsh told Paddy Power's From The Horse's Mouth podcast.
"We have a good supporting cast in this race as well, but all eyes will be on the big two and I can't wait to see them go at it.
"There are times in sport when you don't even need to have a bet to make a race special.
"Envoi Allen against Monkfish... this is the dream match-up between the best two novice chasers this season and I'll be shouting for Monkfish."
Paddy Power have Monkfish as 11/10 favourite for Tuesday's Champion Novice Chase, with Envoi Allen at 5/4 and Colreevy a good outsider to challenge the top two at 7/1.
