'It's all been worthwhile' - Skelton joy as Politologue caps his best ever day

Saturday's action at Sandown was different things for different people. For Nicky Henderson it was disappointment on top of frustration, but for Harry Skelton it was the pinnacle of his riding career as he landed back-to-back Grade 1s on Allmankind in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase and Politologue in an Altior-less Tingle Creek.

Going into the big race the question was how heavily diminished it would be as a contest without the ten-time Grade 1 winner, but such was the performance Politologue delivered under Skelton the rider summed it up: "It certainly made the job a bit easier, but it'd have taken a good horse to beat him today."

That it would.

No regrets: Nicky Henderson defends Altior withdrawal and moots Thursday run

Nicholls has an exceptional record in this particular Grade 1 and seems to be able to deepen the well within his horses like few others, and the soon-to-be ten-year-old – who was adding a second Tingle Creek to his Champion Chase – has already been to five festivals and could now head straight for another with his trainer relishing a potential rematch with the absent Altior.

"We were looking forward to taking on Altior," said the now 11-time Tingle Creek-winning trainer, in typically combative fashion. "The last time they met in the Champion Chase two years ago there was a length and three-quarters between them and we think we've got this horse a lot better – so it'd have been an interesting race.

"The only option I'd give him now, before Cheltenham, would be the Clarence House at Ascot in January – depending on how he comes out of this. So we'll either go straight to Cheltenham, or the Clarence House and then Cheltenham.

"He's in the form of his life and that might be a great opportunity, he's not getting any younger, it's a Grade 1 and there's a nice gap to Cheltenham. He's a true, staying two-miler, goes a gallop and keeps jumping, that's what he is."

What his rider is, is just a very good jockey. He had his first ride in February 2006. In the of the 2012-13 season he recorded just eight winners. It took him until last year to register his first success at the highest level. To say his career has been a slow burn is an understatement, but here it ignited. He came to Sandown with three Grade 1 wins to his name – and left with five.

Politologue runs on powerfullyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Skelton's joy was clear to see. He was still punching the air and pointing to the crowd 100 metres after the line. "It means an awful lot," he said. "I rode eight winners one season and thought the world was going to end. It's a tough game, Paul's always told me to be patient and the afternoon I've had now – every single hardship has been worthwhile.

"I spent a long time at Paul's, we learned the game from Paul, and today I've come here and ridden a Grade 1 winner for my brother [Dan] and one for Paul. Everything I've put into my career has been worth it for this and I'm very lucky to be in the position I'm in now – so you've got to enjoy it."

More on Politologue:

'He should be favourite!' – is Politologue value for another Champion Chase?

'I'm lucky to still be alive' – why Politologue's win means so much to his owner (Members' Club subscribers)

Politologue: Hales on why the Tingle Creek king is the best jumper he's owned

It is not like his rivals were not forewarned what he was going to do. Some 35 minutes earlier he had jumped out, made all, attacked the Railway fences and found plenty on Allmankind – and he barely bothered to rinse the Surrey mud off before repeating.

It is all well and good knowing what is going to happen, but it is another thing entirely trying to stop the best horse in the race executing such dominant tactics and Harry Cobden could get no closer the second time on Greaneteen than he did aboard Hitman – despite the advanced warning.

Tingle Creek full result and race replay

Such was the dominance of the dashing grey over his four rivals, he was cut to a best-priced 9-1 (Betfred and bet365) to retain his Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in March. With Nicholls working his magic and Skelton pulling the strings, it would be foolish to write them off.

Saturday's reports:

Santini and Native River thwarted in Many Clouds Chase by outsider Lake View Lad

Allmankind puts in jumping exhibition as four-year-olds dominateHenry VIII

'He's a star' – Vieux Lion Rouge storms to second Becher win on fifth race run

Did you know you can bet with your online bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post app? Simply sign in to your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on a racecard to place bets