We can't question Nicky Henderson - but we can still be exasperated by him

What was your first reaction upon hearing the news Altior wasn't going to run in the Tingle Creek?

There were plenty of people soon out in force to defend the decision by Nicky Henderson on social media, but even so, if you're a real fan of jump racing, I find it hard to imagine you didn't feel at least a twinge of exasperation.

This is not to question Henderson. The champion trainer has made it clear with many similar decisions that he has only one priority during the season and that is getting his horses right for the Cheltenham Festival. If there's even a one per cent chance that running at Sandown would have a lasting impact on Altior three months later, then he was always likely to withdraw the horse. And, given only Willie Mullins has won more races at the festival, you can trust him more than most to have the horse right on the only day, to Henderson at least, that matters.