Altior has risen to his toughest challenge yet to extend his unbeaten record over jumps to 18 in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

The Nicky Henderson’-trained superstar gave his supporters some anxious moments when he was headed by Sceau Royal approaching the final fence after leading into the straight.

But as ever , Altior relished the Cheltenham hill, seeing off Sceau Royal first and then repelling the late challenge of Politologue to oblige at odds of 4-11.

“What an absolute monster and aren’t we lucky to be in an age where he’s here. We should just celebrate him. He’s a phenomenal athlete. He doesn’t know how to lose,” jockey Nico de Boinville said.

The win was Altior’s fourth successive victory at the famous meeting, a feat equalled by Tiger Roll in Wednesday’s Glenfarclas Chase..

His 22-length win was a welcome change of luck for trainer Gordon Elliott who had endured a luckless start to the festival.

“Everyone knows it’s been a rough week. Horses haven’t been running up to par, a few of them haven’t been good enough and things haven’t been working,” he said.

“This horse has won at four Cheltenham Festivals now and a Grand National. He’s our first winner of the week and I won’t forget him.

“To win at four Cheltenham Festivals is class.”

Credit: PAA