Henderson retains faith in Altior with Shishkin set to go novice chasing

Nicky Henderson is confident there are more big days ahead for Altior, although he regrets running against Cyrname in the race-of-the-ages clash at Ascot in November.

Patricia Pugh's ten-year-old took on the highest-rated chaser in training in the Grade 2 Christy 1965 Chase, but lost his 19-race unbeaten streak when a below-par second.

His trainer revealed he did not want to run that day, but public pressure for the epic duel to take place meant he would have needed a "police escort" to leave Ascot had he taken Altior out of the race.

Despite sparkling on his next start in February, bad luck continued as Altior suffered a setback two days before the Champion Chase for which Altior was favourite to make it five festival wins. But Henderson is sure he can return to his brilliant best next season.

Altior: impressed in the Game Spirit at NewburyCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He's doing fine, it was just splints he had and they can come at any time to any horse," said the master of Seven Barrows. "It's just frustrating when it comes three days before the Champion Chase! All I can say looking back is Altior beat [Champion Chase winner] Politologue three times and with a wide margin every time.

"He'll be back next year, touch wood. He looked as good as ever at Newbury the last day and we still think there's lots of improvement to come from that."

And of last season, when he was tested up in trip, the trainer added: "He'll be staying at two miles, we won't be trying anything else.

"The race at Ascot was a big mistake. It was their first run of the season, him and Cyrname, and on that ground which was the important bit. If he had a prep race it might've been a different ball game, but having a dust-up first time was stupid.

"We shouldn't have done it but, at the same time, if I had taken him out of the race I would've needed a police escort to get out of the racecourse!"

Altior won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in 2016, as did his stablemate Shishkin this year, and the latter looks similarly looks destined for a bright future over fences. He is a 5-1 favourite for the 2021 Racing Post Arkle, another race won by Altior.

Shishkin: looks potential superstar after Supreme Novices' Hurdle winCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"Everything that could've possibly gone wrong did go wrong in the Supreme but he still won," said Henderson. "He was in a hopeless position but the great thing with him is that he's got gears and class, when you've got them they can get you out of trouble.

"I would've thought he'd go chasing now, him and the third Chantry House who is a nice horse too. Shishkin will stay at two miles, and Allart [fifth], but Chantry House will probably want further."

The soon-to-be six-time champion trainer has an enviable hand in the three-mile chasing division, spearheaded by Gold Cup runner-up Santini and Champ, an extraordinary last-gasp winner of the RSA Chase.

Henderson added: "Champ's future is very, very bright. He's a got more to learn, particularly in the jumping department.

"He winged the last two fences, got his momentum going and then he was off. You'd have to think a little bit further in the Gold Cup would help him and he and Santini will be going down those lines next season.

CHELTENHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Champ ridden by Barry Geraghty celebrates winning the RSA Insurance Novices' Chase (Grade 1) at Cheltenham Racecourse on March 11, 2020 in Cheltenham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)Credit: Michael Steele (Getty Images)

"Santini's great. He ran a wonderful race and you have to consider it is only the sixth steeplechase of his career – and he'd only had four hurdle races before that. He's a big baby really and he was superb."

And Henderson's ammunition over hurdles is also highly impressive, led by Champion Hurdle winner Epatante.

"She's had a fantastic year and has come a long way," added the Lambourn trainer. "It's sad, for her, that the season has come to an end as the plan was to roll on to Aintree and things like that.

Sharjah finds only Epatante too strong up the run-in in the Champion HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

"For JP [McManus] it was extraordinary as he lost his two best hurdlers and still won the Champion Hurdle. She's been brilliant. Buveur D'Air had that freak injury but he'll be back."

And Henderson added one horse who may have slipped under the radar: "You mustn't leave out Angels Breath, who wasn't at Cheltenham. He might've been the best.

"His form said it all and he was absolutely brilliant both times before he suffered a horrible overreach. But, touch wood, he's doing really well and he'll be back next season."

Read more:

Nicky Henderson: this is the biggest crisis we've had to face in our lifetime

Barry Geraghty: 'It was a great week but we were all caught up in the crossfire'

Nicky Henderson: patience and parties keep 'complete legend' at top of the game

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