Sprinter Sacre made an emphatic comeback in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham to record his first victory since 2013.
Last season was effectively a write off, having failed to return to the same level he held before the irregular heart defect that caused him to miss 2014.
Nicky Henderson was keen to run the son of Network despite ground conditions against him, as Sprinter Sacre recieved weight from the majority of the field and was working well at home.
Sprinter Sacre, under Nico De Boinville for the first time, travelled powerfully and jumped fluently to cruise to a 14 length success from the consistent Somersby.
The Gold Cup winning jockey was thrilled with his comeback; “”He was jumping and travelling like his old self and he did that well in the end, even kicking clear after the last and putting them to the sword. I haven't got a clue what the plans are – I'm just enjoying the moment.”
Trainer Henderson added; “The Tingle Creek is the obvious way to go but let's see how he comes out of this race.”
Sprinter Sacre claimed the Sandown Grade 1 in 2012 and a chance a regaining the title has been made easier by the absence of last seasons champion chaser Dodging Bullets. Trainer Paul Nicholls revealed this week that the son of Dubawi will not be ready until the new year, with the Clarence House at Ascot his intended target.
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