THE Ladbrokes King George could yet provide racing fans with the ultimate Christmas present.
Nicky Henderson revealed the Grade 1 contest is still on the cards for Altior, who suffered a shock first defeat over jumps at Ascot on Saturday.
Patricia Pughs superstar chaser was seeking his 20th victory on the trot in the Christy 1965 Chase, but had no answers to the smooth-jumping Cyrname.
However, Henderson believes all is not lost for the dual Champion Chase winner, who could bid for revenge against Paul Nicholls seven-year-old in a mouthwatering rematch.
Henderson mused: “Where we go next, I don’t know, but I definitely wouldn’t rule out the King George because that has always been the long-term plan – although if it is really heavy ground perhaps we would have to reconsider, but I’d have no qualms about taking on Cyrname again.
“I’d say Kempton is the most likely next stop if he’s fit and well, but it all depends on how long it takes to get over this; if it’s two months, then that’s how long it will take.
“He puts a lot into his races, literally his heart and soul, which is why he’s so good – so he’ll be given as much time as is required.”
Sent off a 1-3 shot for Saturdays contest, the writing was on the wall for Altior rounding the home bend – but Henderson reckons Cyrname had fitness on his side.
He added: “You never want to give horses a hard race on their first run back, and we were sort of using it as a preparation for something else, whereas I think Cyrname was fully tuned up for his reappearance.
“But there was no way I could have ducked out of the race on account of the ground, because it had been given such a huge build-up for so long and I’d have looked pretty silly if we’d swerved it – that’s no good to anyone.
“I have no doubt he got the trip, but on that ground it was ultimately race fitness that took its toll, because he’d had no ‘away days’ or racecourse gallops, so I’d like to think he will improve for the run.
The Seven Barrows maestro reported his defeated star to be A1 on Sunday morning, but is set to carry out tests to confirm there isnt something troubling him under the surface.
He continued: “Without looking for excuses, I don’t really think he travelled with his usual zest – to be honest I thought Nico (de Boinville) would have trouble holding him, therefore I suspect the ground does have something to do with it.
“But we’ll get him fully checked over on Monday morning, purely as a precautionary measure, and evaluate the situation after that.”
Cyrname, who bolstered his position as the highest-rated horse in Britain, heads the King George market at 9-4 with the sponsors.
Altior can be backed at around the 8-1 mark for the Boxing Day contest.
