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Henderson hails 'spectacular' Altior

AltiorAltior
© Photo Healy Racing

Nicky Henderson has reported Altior to be in good order following his impressive victory on his return at Newbury on Saturday.

La st season's Arkle hero stepped up his preparations for next month's Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase on first start since undergoing a wind operation when maintaining his unbeaten record over jumps in Grade Two company.

"He is 100 per cent and he pulled out great this morning (Sunday). It was very important yesterday and you have to say it could not have gone any more spectacular," said Henderson.

"The whole thing impressed me yesterday. He relaxed, put his head down and jumped beautifully. Everything was good.

"I didn't dare to dream he would win as well as that. It is nice that he is still unbeaten.

"It's a shame that he has missed good races but if everything goes right, he has still got plenty of big races to go for.

"The wind wasn't a problem. If anything was going to test his wind it was that ground on Saturday. That was great and it (wind) was never going to be a worry.

"It is well done to the guys who did the operation, they did a very good job as we were able to get him back a little bit quicker from a full hobday operation to the racecourse.

"I can relax a bit more now we have got the run into him as there is no rush to give him a racecourse gallop. He doesn't need to go for a racecourse gallop now and I doubt if he will.

"The good thing is he does what he does at home on the racecourse and not many horses have his class."