Henderson posts positive Altior update

Altior has 'improved considerably' after reporting lame on Sunday and has been declared for Wednesday's Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.

Much to trainer Nicky Henderson’s relief, the star thoroughbred remains in the running for Wednesday’s main event at Prestbury Park after major doubts emerged over the weekend about his appearance in the Cotswolds.

Altior had been primed to go up against Defi Du Seuil in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase and the duel still looks on as it stands with Henderson declaring him for the contest at the 48-hour stage.

He told PA: ‘We have declared this morning.

He has improved considerably.

He would not be able to run today, but we have got 48 hours.

If it continues to improve as much as it has done since last night to this morning, he’s got every chance.

‘We have to give him every chance, it’s only right.

I’ve been in touch with the British Horseracing Authority vets as well, we’ve kept them informed all along – David Sykes (BHA) is in the loop.

‘If it was today, no you wouldn’t (run), but the improvement has been significant enough to justify leaving him in and seeing how we are going tomorrow.

If necessary we’ll have to take it to the wire.

‘ He added: ‘He’s nothing like as touchy on the splint today as he was yesterday.

When you pressed it he was sore, but he’s much less reactive today and he is much sounder.

‘ Altior has only lost once over jumps in a stellar career when Cyrname got the better of him at Ascot in November, but he looked back to his brilliant best when winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury last month.

The 10-year-old has four previous Festival victories to his name and now will be given the next 48 hours to prove he is ready to go for glory at Cheltenham again.

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