Nico De Boinville described Champion Chase hero Altior as the ‘best of the best’ after he recorded a third consecutive Cheltenham Festival victory this afternoon.
De Boinville, who rode 2015 Gold Cup winner Coneygree, was forced to work hard aboard the eight-year-old who eye-balled Willie Mullins’ contender Min as they approached the home turn.
Altior proved his class as he soared into a seven length advantage, securing a third Cheltenham Festival success after wins in the Arkle and Supreme in recent years.
Nicky Henderson could become the first trainer to saddle a winner in the three biggest races at the Festival, after Buveur D’Air and Altior both landed the Champion Hurdle and Chase. He will need favourite Might Bite to win the Gold Cup on Friday.
"I was in serious trouble the whole way round, it's not his ground at all,” said the former Gold Cup winning jockey.
"His jumping just kept him in the race. He's some horse.
"He's had a hard race there. He's some horse to get me out of trouble."
"He's exceptional, he's the best of the best. That was just sensational. Boy, am I lucky to ride him.
"Everyone loves an Irish banker, but how about an English one?”
Former winner Douvan suffered a fall in the race, and Willie Mullins expects the eight-year-old to run again at the Punchestown Festival next month. God’s Own was third in the race.
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Ruby Walsh was sent to hospital after falling on Al Boum Photo in the RSA Chase. The jockey only returned back to racing after suffering the same injury in November.
He will be x-rayed by doctors this evening, and whether he will participate in the final two days of Cheltenham is still unknown.
The RSA was eventually won by Presenting Percy, who defeated Monalee by seven lengths. He is currently a 7-1 chance for next year’s Gold Cup.
Gordon Elliott enjoyed a fantastic day at the Festival with three winners across the card.
The hugely exciting Samcro ran out an exciting winner of the opening Ballymore Novice Hurdle.
The week’s Irish banker travelled strongly before battling off Black Op in the final stages to land the spoils in what proved an impressive performance.
Tiger Roll notched up a third Cheltenham Festival win in the Cross Country for the Irish trainer, and Veneer Of Charm was a 33-1 winner of the Fred Winter.
Elsewhere Willie Mullins enjoyed a double on the card. Blue Berry denied Topofthegame in a tight finish in the Coral Cup, whilst the master of Closutton saddled the first four home in the Champion Bumper.
Relegate, ridden by Katie Walsh, denied Carefully Selected and Tornado Finish. The yard’s leading fancy, Blackbow, finished fifth.
