Altior ruled out of Desert Orchid on Friday following setback

Altior has been ruled out of running at Kempton on Friday with an abscess, trainer Nicky Henderson revealed on Thursday morning.

However, racing fans will get the chance to see perhaps the most exciting horse in the 2m chasing division after Chacun Pour Soi was declared to run in the Grade 1 Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown.

Altior started the season as a potential contender for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase, but plans were rejigged after his 19-race winning streak was ended by Cyrname at Ascot last month when he was stepped up to two miles and five furlongs.

Instead of being asked to tackle three miles, Altior had been a due to contest the 2m Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase, which he won last year, at Kempton on Friday prior to his setback.

"It's so annoying, he has an abscess on his wither," said Henderson. "He'll come back here for the next meeting, where we'll look at the the Silviniaco Conti Chase [over 2m4f] on January 11.”

Five runners have been declared for the Desert Orchid Chase, headed by last season's Queen Mother Champion Chase third Sceau Royal. Bun Doran, Duc De Genievres, Caid Du Lin and Capeland are also set to feature.

Chacun Pour Soi: faces seven rivals on FridayCredit: Patrick McCann

Chacun Pour Soi is vying with Altior for favouritism in the Champion Chase after two spectacular wins on his return from injury in the spring, although he has not raced since.

His rivals on Friday include A Plus Tard, Simply Ned and Cadmium, one of the horses caught up in the Supreme Horse Racing collapse, among the eight horses declared.

Six horses have been confirmed for Kempton's other highlight on Friday, the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase. They include Al Dancer, Grand Sancy and Fanion D'Estruval.

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