Superstar Altior is set to return for another season and in preparation for some of the big two mile Grade Ones he is heading to Newbury for a racecourse gallop over the fences.
The 10-year-old has been a horse of a lifetime for his connections during his career being beaten once over obstacles and landing a 19 race unbeaten run lasted from 2015 up until November 2019 where Cyrname got the better of him when he was stepped up in trip for the first time.
Henderson's stable star has seen off every horse possible in the two mile division winning at four consecutive Cheltenham festivals and overall having 10 Grade One wins to his name.
Having suffered a setback before the festival last term he was ruled out of the Champion Chase, with the race somewhat falling apart and it looks as though his big aim will be to head back to the festival going in search of a fifth straight victory at the four day meeting.
A year ago...
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) April 25, 2020
The mighty Altior does it again @Sandownpark - a record 19 successive wins over jumps!#RacingTVFlashback #goldendays pic.twitter.com/aPj9Tgx2Cv
Nicky Henderson is planning to return him to two miles for the whole season, with a second Betfair Tingle Creek Chase in his sights on December 5th.
(Credit ATR) Henderson said: “Altior will wait for the Tingle Creek. Some of them are going to Newbury on Tuesday week and will be having a gallop there.
“It was always the intention to go for the Tingle Creek first and he will be ready for that. He was never going to go to Cheltenham for the Shloer Chase.
“Having the racecourse gallop will help him and this season it is back down the usual route.
“Nico (de Boinville) rode him on Saturday and he was very happy with him. He will start with that gallop at Newbury, then it will be all roads to Sandown.”