Altior 'bright and bouncy' as Nicky Henderson sends out first runners in days

The winner Nube Negra (Harry Skelton) leads Altior over the 2nd last fence in the Desert Orchid ChaseKempton 27.12.20 Pic: Edward Whitaker/Racing Post

Altior: seen chasing Nube Negra in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton over ChristmasCredit: Edward Whitaker

Nicky Henderson on Thursday described Altior as "bright and bouncy" as he gave a positive update on the health of his string and handed the dual Champion Chase winner two options at the Cheltenham Festival.

After a quiet time with just two runners since December 29, the champion trainer appears happy with the general health of his team and is looking forward to running six on the all-weather at Lingfield on Friday and seven at Kempton on Saturday.

It will be a little longer before we see Altior, but Henderson said on Thursday that the 11-year-old will run again before Cheltenham, most likely in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, before tackling the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase or the Ryanair Chase.

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Lewis PorteousReporter

Published on 7 January 2021inNews

Last updated 20:08, 7 January 2021

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