Min beaten as Altior wins the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle
Altior gave Nicky Henderson his first win in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle since Flown in 1992 when proving too good for Willie Mullins' Min in the curtain-raiser at the Cheltenham Festival.
Min was expected to give Mullins his fourth successive win in this race but Altior (4-1) shattered those dreams and also hopes of a short-priced four-timer for Ireland's champion trainer with a breathtaking performance.
Charbel made the running with Min on his heels until the race began in earnest three out, where Nico de Boinville ranged up on Altior on the outside.
The race soon developed into a duel between the top two, but Altior asserted at the final flight and galloped on strongly up the hill to defeat the 15-8 favourite by seven lengths.
Henderson also took third place with Buveur D'Air (10-1), who made up a lot of ground and was just a length and a half away.
