Altior was dominant at the Cheltenham Festival - but later dominated by its lure

We have reached the end of Altior's racing career. How he ended his races was what impressed me most.

Seldom can a horse so regularly have finished with such relish. Wherever he went, but particularly at Cheltenham and Sandown, Altior was so often and for so long irresistible and unbeatable. There were times when he looked in trouble, occasions when we feared the flat spot might last a shade too long, but the sight of a hill, and perhaps even a winning post, turned him into a different horse. A magnificent horse.

You had to feel sorry for Min. When they met in the 2016 Supreme Novices' Hurdle – so long ago now that it was broadcast by Channel 4 – Altior was no more than two lengths in front at the final flight. When the line was crossed the gap had grown to seven lengths.