Unbeaten Westerner Mare Delights In Cheltenham Grade 2

The talented Love Envoi (6m Westerner - Love Divided, by King’s Ride) extended her unbeaten record in the Grade 2 Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle on the third day of the Cheltenham Festival.

Carrying a penalty for last month’s Grade 2 success, the Harry Fry-trained bay was partnered by regular rider Jonathan Burke and made headway from three out. Asserting with ease after the second last, she kept on strongly on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter.

“I’m absolutely over the moon,” a beaming Fry later commented. “She's just a real tough and hardy mare. She doesn't know when she's beaten.”

Love Envoi has been owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicate since her winning debut at Wexford for Sean Doyle and now boasts a record of six from six. The daughter of Westerner is the best performer bred by Ciaran O’Toole out of Love Divided, who hails from the family of another Festival hero in Lord Windermere (Oscar).