Nicky Henderson: “Sadly, it’s true. Neither Altior, nor Santini, will run at Aintree”

A very quiet weekend for us with just three runners across two meetings but I expect to be much busier next week when I’ll be sending runners up to Aintree. Sadly, however, one horse who will not be going to Liverpool is Altior. He is absolutely fine and there is nothing to worry about but Nico had a couple of sits on him this week and jumped four fences yesterday, and I was very hopeful he’d be up to running in the Melling Chase.

To the eye he looks awesome but Nico just believes he’s still feeling the effects of Cheltenham. It a very similar scenario to last year, and we only have three weeks this time, but the horse tells us where he is and at the moment he’s telling us that we need to sit this one out and go to Sandown for the Celebration Chase. It’s a shame because I was very keen to go to Aintree and step him up to 2m4f but it’s no point running these horses if they are not on the top of their game so we’ll substitute him with Top Notch instead and we may even run Janika in the same race as well.

Santini is another who will not be heading to Liverpool as he is already on holiday and we have decided to put him away until next season. He’s perfectly well and healthy and more sound than he ever has been and I want to keep it that way so we’re going to put him away while he is safe and sound as I want to look after him. Mr Whipped is working very well and he will now represent us in the Mildmay Novices’ Chase.

Buveur D’air is in great form and definitely runs in the Aintree Hurdle and William Henry will take his chance in the Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle on the Saturday. Pentland Hills goes in the 4-y-o Hurdle and Fusil Raffles is coming along very nicely but sadly will be not ready in time to go to Aintree so I’m aiming him at Punchestown.

Mr Whipped and Lough Derg Spirit pic.twitter.com/50EVs0IfU6

— Grech & Parkin (@GrechParkin) March 29, 2019

SATURDAY – STRATFORD

5:25 Bumper

Alph (Nico de Boinville)

We put the hood on him last time to make him relax which he did so we’ve kept it on and he’s learning to settle all the time. He’ll make a nice hurdler in time and his work has been good so he’s there to take his chance but it does look a pretty decent bumper. Our horse is improving, however.

 

SUNDAY- ASCOT

4:30 Veterans Chase

Josses Hill (Nico de Boinville)

It’s been a long time between drinks for this chap but he was in the process of running a big race at Kempton last time but fell which was most unfortunate but he’s been absolutely fine since and has been in great form at home. He’s 8lbs clear on ratings, has to go right handed and will love the good ground. I don’t think he’s quite the horse he used to be but there still lots of petrol in the tank and I expect him to go very well here.  

5:05 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Kings Ryde (Connor Brace)

He was put up 5lbs for winning at Wincanton last time which I suppose is fair enough as he won quite well but we’re utilising Connor Brace’s 3lbs claim so in effect he’s only 2lbs higher. He seems pretty versatile ground-wise and I think this trip suits him best. I think he has a massive chance.