Nicky Henderson relishing Un De Sceaux showdown

Nicky Henderson was impressed with Un De Sceaux’s performance in the Clarence House Chase and is looking forward to taking on the Irish ace with Sprinter Sacre at Cheltenham.

Un De Sceaux, trained by Willie Mullins, re-established his position as the number one contender for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase when beating the 2014 titleholder Sire De Grugy by five lengths at Ascot on Saturday after falling on his previous outing at Leopardstown.

Sprinter Sacre had beaten Sire De Grugy by three-quarters of a length in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over Christmas, so the scene is now set for the leading two-milers to clash in what promises to be a vintage renewal of the Champion Chase on March 16.