Harry Fry has expressed his admiration for the remarkable mare Love Envoi following her retirement at the Cheltenham Festival.
In 2022, Love Envoi delivered a memorable performance at the event by winning the Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle, marking the pinnacle of an outstanding season where she triumphed in five consecutive races.
The following year, she returned to compete against Honeysuckle in the prestigious Grade One Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle. Although Henry de Bromhead's superstar emerged as the victor, Love Envoi displayed resilience and bravery, finishing a commendable second, just one and a half lengths behind.
During this season, Love Envoi commenced her campaign with two second-place finishes in both the Fighting Fifth Hurdle and the Unibet Hurdle. Subsequently, she made her way back to Cheltenham for the Mares' Hurdle, entering as a 14-1 outsider.
In a field of 11 participants, the eight-year-old mare concluded the race with a respectable fifth-place finish, trailing behind the impressive Lossiemouth. This final outing marked the end of her racing career as she embarked on retirement to fulfil her new role as a broodmare.
“She’s been a star. She was our second Festival winner and she’s been really consistent, running in some top races over the last couple of seasons,” Fry said.