Altior joins the list of Cheltenham heroes with victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase

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If the mark of a true Champion is to overcome adversity then Altior, who was all at sea on the Prestbury plough, added his name to the list of Cheltenham’s heroes when he sprinted up the hill to win the Betway Champion Chase by seven lengths as hats and newspapers were launched skywards in celebration.   

In another life his jockey Nico de Boinville might have been one of those soldiers who is unexceptional in peacetime but extraordinarily cool under fire. After Douvan had crashed out at the last ditch, while leading, there were five horses in with a chance turning in.

Four of them, though, were going better than the labouring evens-favourite in fifth and an upset on the scale of last year’s looked on the cards.

But the winning post is not on the home bend and there were no signs of panic from de Boinville, as good a man for the big occasion as there is riding in Britain at the moment. Racing to the second last he switched to the outside, found some better ground and a bit of daylight, and in a few strides had gathered in all but Min.

He passed him in the air at the last and then sprinted up the hill as he has done here now three years in succession, in the Supreme, then the Arkle and now the Champion Chase, a deja-deja-vu. Sprinter Sacre may have pulled harder at the heart-strings, as Nicky Henderson said afterwards, but he could not win the Supreme.

“That was sensational,” said de Boinville. “He was in trouble all the way. Only his jumping kept him in it. It was a true test. I thought I was slightly cooked but that if I switched him out I might find the last bit of gears and that’s what he did.”

He added: “I’m very lucky to be associated with him. He’s a freak. He’s very different to Sprinter Sacre. Sprinter was at his best between three and two out in a race, Altior is at his best at the finish. I love the way he runs through the line. He was like a hot knife through butter from the second last.

“The Guv’nor was very open about his sore foot on Monday. I got a scare but I knew the team at home would get him right. It wasn’t easy for him today but his class saw him through. He’s one of a kind and just finds extra gears after the last.”

It was a fourth Champion Chase for Henderson since Finian’s Rainbow broke his duck in the race in 2012 and his 60^th winner in all at the meeting. Two of those Champion Chases were with Sprinter Sacre. Horses of a lifetime, it seems, are like London buses for the trainer these days and if he becomes the first trainer to win Cheltenham’s big three races in the Gold Cup on Friday, Might Bite might be considered another.

“The foot (Monday’s infection) was nothing,” said a beaming Henderson. “It was of no consequence and when he wasn’t winning round the last bend I wasn’t about to start using that as an excuse. It has been a tough year (with his wind operation) and he’s been missing out but he’s very good, he’s just got gears.

“It was a great ride. He was very cool. When he pulled him out he was electric. For a few seconds I thought ‘this isn’t going to happen’ but as soon as he saw daylight he knew where he was going. To find those gears on that ground off that pace you have to be pretty good. It was a great race on paper and I’m glad Douvan and Charbel are alright. We’ve been lucky enough to be down this road many times and it’s 90 per cent relief and 10 per cent joy.”

“It’s strange to have Altior come round so soon after Sprinter Sacre. I always said this horse had big shoes to fill but each time he wins he gets closer to doing that.”

The eight-year-old’s owner, Patricia Pugh, is curator at the Horseracing Museum in Newmarket but in Altior, the Latin for higher, she has a priceless artefact, the star exhibit, a Champion who can rule this division for a couple of years yet. 

5:53PM

Ruby Walsh update 

Ruby Walsh is expected to miss the rest of the Cheltenham Festival after suffering a suspected broken leg.

Walsh, who only recently recovered from a broken leg, suffered a heavy fall while riding Al Boum Photo in the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase.

His sister Katie, who rode Relegate to victory in the final race, said: "My heart goes out to Ruby. His bad fortune has turned into a marvellous day for me. All I can think of is him, to be honest."

5:48PM

At least someone's had a good day... 

5:43PM

Relegate makes it nine Champion Bumper wins for Willie Mullins 

5:40PM

Full result from the Champion Bumper 

1. Relegate 25-1

2. Carefully Selected 6-1

3. Tornado Flyer 14-1

5:37PM

Relegate wins the Champion Bumper 

Willie Mullins and Katie Walsh win the Champion Bumper on 25/1 shot Relegate.

The mare wore down Carefully Selected down the final straight in a thrilling finish.

5:32PM

They're off in the Champion Bumper 

Rhinestone, Blackbow and Acey Milan all go off as 5/1 co-favourites. 

Ruby Walsh and Davy Russell will not take their rides after being stood down earlier in the day following falls. 

5:14PM

5:30: Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Marlborough's preview and tips 

This is never a race to be confident of solving as there is always so much untapped talent waiting to appear. Acey Milan has plenty of experience and has shown smart speed for a bumper horse. The Irish have won six to Great britain’s four in the past 10 years. Blackbow and Felix Desy look their principal hopes this time around.

Marlbrough's tip: Acey Milan

Marcus Armytage's tip: Thebannerkingrebel 

Charlie Brooks' tips: Miss Mercy Me

5:08PM

Veneer of Charm wins by three lengths from Style De Garde 

5:01PM

Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle full result 

1. Veneer of Charm 33/1

2. Style De Garde 12/1

3. Nube Negra 15/2

4:56PM

Veneer of Charm wins the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle

33/1 Veneer of Charm wins well to make it a treble in the afternoon for Gordon Elliot.

Style De Garde comes up in second with Nube Negra in third.

4:54PM

Lisp and Knight Destroyer fall early 

The King of May leads, about half a length clear of Nube Negra. 

4:52PM

They're off in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle

Nube Negra starts as favourite in the penultimate race of the day. 

4:49PM

Davy Russell stood down for Fred Winter 

Late change of jockey in the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle. Davy Russell has been stood down for the day after his fall from Bless The Wings in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase.

Jack Kennedy takes his ride on Mitchouka. 

4:37PM

Owner Michael O'Leary on Tiger Roll

"He loves Cheltenham - hates everywhere else!" says the Ryanair CEO. 

4:36PM

4:50: Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle: Marlborough's preview and tips 

The King of May ran a cracker on his first run in this country when a staying on third in a hot race at Musselburgh and can take advantage of a decent mark, especially as this stiffer track will suit. Eragon De Chanay makes a quick reappearance after scooting up at Sandown last Saturday and would assuredly have had more than a 5lb penalty is the Handicapper had been in possession of that form when framing these weights. Turning Gold and Mercenaire have place claims.

Marlbrough's tip: The King Of May

Marcus Armytage's tip: Mitchouka

Charlie Brooks' tips: Eragon De Chanay

4:29PM

Tiger Roll notches his third Festival win 

4:25PM

Cross Country Chase full result 

1. Tiger Roll 7/1

2. Urgent De Gregaine 12/1

3. The Last Samurai 11/4 favourite 

4:21PM

Tiger Roll wins the Cross Country Chase 

Tiger Roll holds off a late challenge from Urgent De Gregaine. Last Samurai takes third.

Only seven horses complete the circuit. 

4:19PM

Five to jump

Cause of Causes, still six lengths back, making some progress as they edge towards the eighth from the finish.

Out in front is Beaves and Last Samurai.  

4:17PM

10 to jump

Cause of Causes is absolutely dead last as they go into the final 10 jumps. 

The Last Samurai leads from Beaves.

4:16PM

18 to jump

Leader Bless The Wings falls at the bank. Looks like all other riders managed to avoid him as he went down. Jockey Davy Russell is up and walking. 

4:14PM

20 to jump

Bless The Wings leads alongside Beaves. Pre-race favourite Cause of Causes is right at the back of the field.

4:11PM

They're off in the Cross Country Chase 

Cause of Causes, half brother to 2003 Epsom Derby winner Kris Kin, goes off as the 3-1 favourite, Last Samurai follows him in the betting at 7-2.

4:07PM

Nicky Henderson interview in full 

4:00PM

Nicky Henderson on his fifth Champion Chase win 

"He wasn't travelling. It was tacky ground and there was no hiding place and we knew that.

"But by the time he got to the winning post he was miles away and gone.

"It looks as though he'd love another half a mile - but if he can keep on winning Champion Chases I'd take that!"

3:56PM

4:10: Cross Country Steeple Chase preview - Marlborough's preview and tips

Previous experience of this tricky cross country course is always invaluable and there is no shortage of proven performers in this tight field. perhaps the most progressive is BLESS THE WINGS and he is a tentative choice. Cause of Causes, Cantlow and Josies Orders all have similar sorts of claims. The Last Samuri, a smart horse at Aintree, is interesting.

Marlbrough's tip: Bless The Wings

Marcus Armytage's tip: Bless the wings

Charlie Brooks' tips: Vicomte Du Seuil

3:51PM

Nico de Boinville reacts to victory 

Altior's Champion Chase victory was his 13th win in his last 13 races - that's also Nicky Henderson's fifth victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. 

Jockey Nico de Boinville insists he was 'in trouble' the whole way around before beating off Min's challenge.

3:42PM

Altior gets up to give the bookies another pasting

3:39PM

Live reaction from our man Paul Hayward 

3:38PM

Queen Mother Champion Chase full result

1. Altior (evens )

2. Min (11/4)

3. Gods Own (40/1)

3:35PM

Altior wins the Champion Chase

Altior sees off Min to retain his unbeaten record over obstacles.

3:34PM

Three to jump

Douvan goes down in a heavy-looking fall. Gods Own and Politologue out in front. 

3:32PM

Seven to jump

Special Tiara is two lengths in front with Douvan sat well. Charbel is down.

3:30PM

They're off in the Champion Chase

 1m 7f  of Grade 1 jump racing coming up - can anyone stop the highly-rated Altior? He goes off at even-money after being punted into odds-on before the start. 

3:20PM

Queen Mother Champion Chase - Marlborough's preview and tips

Altior, late injury scare or not, is definitely the one to beat. Much has been made of the wind operation that prevented him returning to racecourse action until Newbury last month, but it was a minor procedure that he underwent. Altior showed the problem was behind him when soon putting Politologue to the sword that day and winning by four lengths. This was a fine display – close to his best previous form – as Politologue had been in the ascendancy with three smart wins in top class races to his credit. Douvan has something to prove and has not been seen since sustaining a serious injury in this race a year ago. Min, who clocked a decent time at Leopardstown last time, could prove a bigger threat.

Marlbrough's tip: Altior

Marcus Armytage's tip: Altior

Charlie Brooks' tips: Altior (nap)

3:18PM

Nico de Boinville rides Altior 

Nico de Boinville has been speaking to the BBC ahead of the marquee race of the day: "We' re just looking forward to it. As jockeys it's were we want be to be riding horses like this on the biggest stage of all."

3:15PM

Countdown to the Queen Mother Champion Chase 

All the talk's about Altior with less than 15 minutes left until the big race of the day.

Mullins-trained Douvan 'drifting like a barge' in the betting, according to Matt Chapman.  

3:10PM

"It doesn't look good," says Rich Ricci 

 American owner Rich Ricci confirms Ruby Walsh has 'a suspected broken leg'. 

3:05PM

Ruby Walsh news

The Festival's most prolific jockey has gone to hospital with a suspected broken leg. Mark Walsh rode Bleu Berry after Paul Townend, the stable jockey, switched to Max Dynamite which was due to be Ruby's ride. 

 I'm going to hand over to my colleague Callum Davis for the big race and the rest of the card. Bye! 

2:59PM

Coral Cup result

1. Bleu Berry 20-1

2. Topofthegame 9-1

3. Barra 16-1

4. William Henry 8-1

2:57PM

Bleu Berry wins the Coral Cup

Topofthegame second, Barra third, William Henry fourth. Exciting finish. 

2:56PM

Two to jump

The field is bunched, Stowaway Magic leads from Topofthegame. 

2:52PM

The starter drops the flag and they're off

A massed field of 27 and it's blindfold and pin time. Dusky Legend is down at the first. 

2:38PM

2.50 - Coral Cup - Marlborough's preview and tips

TOPOFTHEGAME fits the usual profile of winners in this trappy puzzle in that he is relatively lightly-raced and progressive. He has also shown form here as have 80 per cent of the winners during the past 10 years. The manner in which he travelled easily and then stayed on strongly at Sandown last time has the mark of a smart performer who is ahead of his mark. William Henry beat Topofthegameinto fourth place at Kempton in January but that fast track and a lack of pace in the race were against the selection and he should turn the tables. Mount Mews reverts to hurdles after some disappointing chase efforts and would have claims on his best form, were he to be reinvigorated by the smaller obstacles.

Marlbrough's tip Topofthegame

Marcus Armytage's tip William Henry

Charlie Brooks' tips River Frost

2:35PM

Musing on what an Altior victory would mean for the bookies

You can help pile on the hurt here:

2:34PM

Ruby Walsh 

Who fell from Al Boum Photo, is a cause for concern. He has only just recovered from a broken leg and it seems from unconfirmed reports that he has suffered another fracture. 

2:32PM

If Altior wins the Queen Mother

After comfortable wins for the favourites in the first two Grade 1 races, the bookies' breeks will take on a distinctly brownish hue. 

2:28PM

Davy Russell

The jockey of Presenting Percy, has now own at 13 successive Festivals. He lost his mother recently and paid her a glowing tribute for raising six kids when he was interviewed as he made his way to the enclosure. 

2:20PM

Novices' Chase result

1. Presenting Percy 5-2

2. Monalee 100-30

3. Elegant Escape 9-1

2:18PM

Presenting Percy wins by several lengths

From Monalee, Elegant Escape. Al Boum Photo is a faller but seems OK as does Bonbon Au Miel. 

2:17PM

Presenting Percy takes the lead with two to go

Monalee second.

2:16PM

Three to go

Black Corton by a length from Monalee and Elegant Escape. Presenting Percy travelling well. 

2:15PM

With nine fences to go

Black Corton leads from Monalee and Elegant Escape, the whole field is intact. Quite a slow pace now. 

2:12PM

They're away in the Novices' Chase

Elegant Escape leads from Black Corton over the first three of 19. 

2:06PM

Presenting Percy goes off as favourite in the 2.10

2:04PM

Do believe the hype

Samcro lived up to the hype with victory in the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Gordon Elliott's big hope was sent off the 8-11 favourite for the opening race on day two, having arrived unbeaten in six starts under rules.

Teenager Jack Kennedy made sure there was no hard luck story by keeping out of trouble on the outside and cruised into contention on the final bend, taking up the running from Vision Des Flos.

While Black Op made good headway to break away from the rest, he never looked like catching Samcro and a mistake at the final flight stopped his momentum.

Next Destination, off the bridle early under Ruby Walsh, flew up the hill to claim third.

Elliott said: "It's a big team effort from everyone at home, and it worked out great today.

"There was a lot of pressure, for Jack, for me - for everyone, the whole team.

"I'm delighted, it's brilliant."

Samcro runs in the colours of Gigginstown House Stud, whose Michael O'Leary, the boss of Ryanair, said: "He was terrific - very good - and was given a great ride by Jack Kennedy.

"He's done everything that Gordon's asked him to do. It was great.

"Now the worry is for him to keep fit and well. We'll see how he gets on.

"Hopefully he'll be fit and well and head to Punchestown, and then Gordon will make a plan next year for him.

"At least he's won at Cheltenham so he's going the right way."

Kennedy said: "That was unreal. He's just a class horse. I was there way too soon on him, but he kept going.

"The horse is very good. I wasn't happy with the position I had during the race, but he's such a good horse that he got me through."

Press Association

1:49PM

RSA Novices' Chase - Marlborough's preview and tips

2.10 - RSA Steeple Chase

The versatility of PRESENTING PERCY is rare in a staying chaser and that quality suggests he is a cut above the average. His progressive chase form over three miles plus is enough to put him in with a solid shout anyway, but it was his latest performance, when chasing home the smart Our Duke over 2½ miles that underlines his class. The trip would have been plenty sharp enough for Presenting Percy – he had won over 3m 5f two runs earlier – yet he traded blows with a horse that is third favourite for Friday’s Timico Gold Cup.

There will be plenty of interest in Black Corton, the mount of Bryony Frost. The pair have formed a formidable team this season and should be thereabouts. Elegant Escape has stamina as his strong suit and should make a bold show. Ballyoptic is too inconsistent to have too much faith in but there is no denying his ability.

Marlbrough's tip: Presenting Percy (nap)

Marcus Armytage's tip: Black Corton

Charlie Brooks' tips: Elegant Escape

1:44PM

Samcro looks a proper chasing prospect

He won by 2¼ lengths. The bookies saw it coming but will be sick.

1:39PM

Novices' Hurdle result

1. Samcro 8-11F

2. Black Op 8-1

3. Next Destination 4-1

1:38PM

Michael O'Leary, the owner, speaks

'He was terrific, a brilliant ride from Jack Kennedy. Wonderful.'

1:37PM

Samcro wins the Novices' Hurdle

Black Op second, Next Destination third. 

1:36PM

Samcro makes his move

Strikes the front with one to go. 

1:34PM

With a circuit to go

Gowiththeflow leads from Scarpeta. Ahead of the Curve drops out. 

1:32PM

And they're off

Scarpeta is the front runner, Samcro tucked in on the outside, about five from the back as they come over the second. 

1:30PM

Samcro looks magnificently calm

Will he cope with the extra trip at 2½ miles?

1:21PM

Race one preview and tips

1.30 Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

Despite owner Michael O’Leary’s efforts to quash the hype, SAMCRO arrives with a sizeable reputation and his racecourse performances say that he deserves it. He has won all three hurdles races easily, including a Grade One at Leopardstown, and there is a strong suspicion we have yet to see just how could he is. Vision Des Flos showed the benefit of a wind operation when turning a competitive Exeter Listed race into a procession and should ensure Samcro earns his prize. Black Op represents the team that won Tuesday’s first race and they will have a solid line to novice form. Neither ground nor track are an issue. Next Destination finished third in last year’s Champion Bumper here and has built on that level of form over hurdles. His Grade I success at Naas last time was achieved with authority and we know that he can battle when needed.

Marlbrough's tip Samcro

Marcus Armytage's tip Vision des Flos (nap)

Charlie Brooks' tips Black Op

1:15PM

It's a day for hats

And amusing juxtaposition:

1:01PM

First race on the card is the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle

And Samcro sets off at as favourite a best-priced 4-5. Here is Ed Chamberlin on why all of Ireland is screaming for Gordon Elliott's raider:

12:51PM

We've had the declarations for Friday's Gold Cup

And here they are, courtesy of chief sports writer, columnist of the year, all round top man and pickles magnate Paul Hayward:

11:54AM

The going

Is officially Soft, Heavy in places on both courses and the weather will be dry, breezy and cloudy with a maximum temperature of  12C.

11:37AM

Hello

And welcome to our coverage of day two of the Cheltenham Festival. There are eight races on the card, starting with two Grade Ones,  the Novices' Hurdle at 1.30pm and the Novices' Chase 40 minutes later. The pick of the day is, of course, the Queen Mother Champion Chase at 3.30pm. a race most remembered for Badsworth Boy's hat-trick of victories from 1982, a big win for this author with Azertyuiop in 2004, Master Minded's double and the thrilling return of Sprinter Sacre two years ago.

Marlborough has cast his eye over the runners and riders for the feature race and this is his considered opinion:

ALTIOR Grand chaser who seeks his third consecutive win at the festival. Travels strongly and quickens like a class horse. Strong contender.

AR MAD Has had his problems but is smart on his day. Bit to find with Politologue on Tingle Creek form; unlikely winner.

CHARBEL Appeared to be travelling kindly when upsides Altior and falling two mout in Arkle here last year; two fair efforts this term but needs to progress.

DOUVAN Suffered serious injury in this race a year ago and not run since; hugely talented but remains to be seen if he can recover that level of form.

GOD’S OWN Has some solid form in his record but is a light of former days and hard to fancy.

MIN Very useful and still progressing. Stays further than 2m and loves heavy ground so has to be a serious player.

ORDINARY WORLD Third behind Altior in last year’s Arkle and has done little since to suggest he can find the improvement to turn the tables.

POLITOLOGUE Has enjoyed a fine season but was no match for Altior at Newbury recently; tough and consistent, he has place prospects.

SPECIAL TIARA Bold front runner who capitalised on Douvan’s injury to win this race a year ago. Well beaten by Altior at Sandown later and he looks to have had his day in the sun.

We'll have contributions from our resident tipster as well as the chief sports writer, Paul Hayward, racing correspondent, Marcus Armytage and our Centaur correspondent, Alan Tyers.

All that and Ladies' Day, too, so brace yourself for some Lord Justice Caulfield type commentary: 'Has she fragrance? Has she elegance?' etc