HENDERSON NABS TREBLE AND SECURES TITLE IN STYLE

ALTIOR produced the standout performance for Nicky Henderson as the Lambourn trainer secured his fourth jump trainers’ championship with a treble at Sandown.

Going into the final day’s action, closest rival Paul Nicholls still had a chance of wiping out the near £170,000 deficit he trailed Henderson. But wins for Call Me Lord, L’Ami Serge and Altior, the 3-10 favourite, saw Henderson extend his final advantage to £317,366.

Novice Altior, last year’s Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner who is unbeaten in six chases, including the Arkle Novices’ Chase at last month’s Cheltenham Festival, is 6-4 favourite to win next season’s Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase after beating this season’s winner Special Tiara eight lengths in the Bet365 Celebration Chase.

Henderson said: ‘We have always known Altior is very special. I can’t believe he started the price he did against the champion chaser. Other people probably had more confidence than I did. You know Special Tiara is going to set some very serious fractions but Altior always had him covered.’

Henderson’s fourth title comes 31 years after his first but with a bunch of young talent, including RSA Chase winner Might Bite and champion hurdler Buveur D’Air, he will start as favourite to retain it.

He added: ‘It’s been a long winter of serious dedication by everyone on the team.’

Nicholls, a 10-times champion, ended with his best tally of 171 winners but a lack of top-notchers cost him the title.