World-beater Altior jumps into record books

Not at his best, perhaps, but Altior is without defeat in 18 consecutive outings in the national hunt sphere and a world-record 13 times over fences. It may not have looked or felt like an imperious performance, but yesterday’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase reiterated the fact he is damn hard to beat.

The Nicky Henderson-trained superstar successfully defended his crown and, in doing so, notched a fourth consecutive victory at this Festival. Winner of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2016, the Arkle Chase in 2017, and now two Champion Chases, he is always expected to win but, perhaps unfairly, not to have to pull out all the stops. Predictably, Saint Calvados set off in front, with Altior in second place, surprisingly clear of the remainder.