Ever heard of Altior?

[vineyridge]

I was reading about the Cheltenham Festival which started today and ran across an article about Altior. He has won 17 straight jumps races (mostly G1s and other group races), including the Arkle and the Champion Chase at Cheltenham at 3,200 meters. He’s been racing since he was 4 and is now 9; his overall record is 20 starts, 18 wins and 1 third, and hasn’t lost since 2015. He was out with “wind surgery” for half of 2017, but still didn’t lose before or afterwards. By the Brits, he’s called “only 9”, so apparently is believed to have more years to race.

He’s won a race by 63 lengths, and several by more than ten lengths.

He runs in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham tomorrow, and if he wins he will equal the record for longest winning streak in jumps racing history.

I’d say a 17 race winning streak over jumps at 3200 m ( just under 2 miles) puts him in the top ranks of any racing horses anywhere today, even if he doesn’t win tomorrow.

[vineyridge]

Altior won today. 18 straight wins.

[vineyridge]

Race video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiUr4AwLMQ0

[EventerAJ]

Altior was great to watch, but I also really loved Tiger Roll in the cross country chase today at Cheltenham. I can watch Racing UK all day, especially during Cheltenham week!

[Where_sMyWhite]

I had only half an eye on Cheltenham today on TVG… was a bit :eek: with those 25 horse fields.

I really do enjoy watching, when I can, the racing from across the pond. Lovely settings and such a variety of types of races on grass.

[mommy_peanut]

Are the courses flagged or marked somehow?
Curious how they know which lane to take?

[va2txrider]

The start of the race was curious. Altior and the horse who led (San Calvados?) were quite a bit in front at the start - seems like this would be an advantage? First thing I did was look at his pedigree: of course Sadler’s Wells, but also interesting to see Darshaan.

[EventerAJ]

@va2txrider

The start of the race was curious. Altior and the horse who led (San Calvados?) were quite a bit in front at the start - seems like this would be an advantage? First thing I did was look at his pedigree: of course Sadler’s Wells, but also interesting to see Darshaan.

For 2+ mile races, being a length in front at the start is inconsequential. Jockeys position their horses to their advantage; for some horses this is in front, for others it’s at the middle or back of the pack. Many horses settle better when “covered up” racing behind other horses and save their energy for the end.

Also, probably over 60% have Sadlers Wells in the pedigree, and I’d guess 80% have Northern Dancer at least once.

[snaffle1987]

he is an amazing horse, I have been following him for quite some time. Cheltenham can get scary to watch with the spills and often frequent horse deaths. Im rooting for Native River in the upcoming Grand National. I love to watch that horse jump. Pure talent.