Altior is on course to make a belated return to action in the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton, according to Nicky Henderson.
Testing conditions meant the duel Queen Mother Champion Chase winner withdrew from the Tingle Creek at Sandown the night before the race earlier this month.
However, it looks like all systems go for Altior heading to Kempton’s Ladbrokes Christmas Festival, and trainer Henderson is feeling positive about the going.
“As I said on the day, I know it was disappointing for the people that didn’t see him at Sandown, but we hoped it would be good for the people who would be able to see him at Kempton,” Henderson said. “Sadly, that is now not the case (because of coronavirus restrictions) – which is sad, because Altior does like a crowd.
“He’s only been beaten once, and it’s something I’ll regret for the rest of my life. The Cyrname race did a lot of damage, and I couldn’t face that happening again.
“We did what we thought was right, and I don’t regret it. It will be soft at Kempton, but Sandown soft and Kempton soft are two different things, and I have no worries about the ground – he will run.
“We’ll be happy to be at Kempton, and it’s fingers crossed.”
