Min's magnificent effort foiled only by a force of nature called Altior

Paul Townend thought he had the Champion Chase in safe keeping when taking off in front at the second-last on Min, only to see the force of nature that is Altior sweep them aside on the climb for home.

“He’s done everything right – jumped and travelled – and I didn’t stop,” said Townend after a remarkable race.

“Where I was sat Nico [de Boinville] was never too happy on Altior, but he kicked in the overdrive from the back of the last and I couldn’t believe that the further they went the further he went away from me.

"Min ran a brilliant race but the winner is obviously very special.”

Rich Ricci, owner of the runner-up, added: “Min ran his heart out but the winner was magnificent and won the race in three strides coming off that hill.

"Talking to Paul he thought he had it, but my god what a monster the winner is. We use that word a lot, but he really is something special.”
God’s Own, a regular in the race, went two places better than last year in third, with Tingle Creek winner Politologue fourth.

“I’m a bit disappointed he didn’t gallop from the back of the last and finish third," said Politologue's trainer Paul Nicholls. “He's run really well, but I don’t think it’s his best run by a long way.”

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