Henderson chasing Cheltenham record

Nicky Henderson’s season has always revolved around Cheltenham, but this year’s Festival could arguably be as important as any during his long and distinguished career.

Indeed, even the first half of Tuesday afternoon could take him a whole lot closer to knowing if he will become the most successful trainer in the history of the meeting, as well as whether he is to pass Paul Nicholls and secure a first National Hunt championship title since 1987.

Henderson has already enjoyed 39 Festival winners – by far and away more than any of his contemporaries and just one behind the all-time mark set by the great Fulke Walwyn.