Henderson rules out Kempton run for Altior

Horse Racing
Henderson rules out Kempton run for Altior

Trainer Nicky Henderson has all but ruled Altior out of running in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Altior claimed an impressive victory in Saturday’s Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown to extend his winning run over hurdles and fences to 15.

The Patricia Pugh-owned eight-year-old is among the remaining 19 entrants for the King George later this month, but Henderson has now confirmed that he does not plan to run the gelding in that race, as it comes too quickly off the back of Saturday’s win.

‘The King George is very tempting and we left him in the race on Tuesday, but we virtually ruled it out last night and it’s very unlikely,’ Henderson was quoted as saying by the Racing Post.

‘I’d love to have a go – and if it was in a month’s time and on decent ground there would not be any doubt we would – but I can’t believe he’s going to come out of yesterday’s race in 17 days’ time not a little bruised from the Tingle Creek.

‘ Henderson is instead turning his attention to the Cheltenham Festival, where Altior will be looking to defend the Queen Mother Champion Chase following his victory in the race last season.

The trainer added: ‘We’ve got time on our side.

I know we can be accused of wrapping him up in cotton wool, but there’s only one race for him and that’s the Champion Chase.

That’s the only thing that really matters.’

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