CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2013: Henderson seeks Sacre success (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL 2013: Henderson seeks Sacre success

11:30am Tuesday 12th March 2013 in Sport

LAMBOURN trainer Nicky Henderson admits he will be disappointed if Sprinter Sacre is beaten in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on Wednesday.

The seven-year-old is many punters' idea of the banker of the week and has been long odds-on for the two-mile showpiece since the ante-post book was opened.

Unbeaten in seven races over fences, including the Arkle Trophy at last year's Festival, Sprinter Sacre has understandably frightened away a lot of the opposition.

He still has decent rivals to beat, headed by the 2011 Champion hero Sizing Europe, and Henderson is not taking anything for granted.

"He knows he's good looking, he knows he's good - it really is 'look and watch me'," said the Seven Barrows trainer.

"It's all flashy and show. I'm never going to say he's the best (I have trained) - I don't know who was - but he's right up there.

"He's something to watch and, from Barry's (Geraghty) point of view, he said he's the most spectacular thing he's ever sat on.

"He enjoys it, but I don't.

"The pressure is on because everybody will expect one of his flashy performances and I hope he can deliver again.

"He finds it ridiculously easy but Cheltenham is Cheltenham and the course takes plenty of jumping.

"He is a hugely-talented natural athlete. He and Simonsig are two of the best work horses I have ever had.

"Sprinter Sacre is the one we would be disappointed with if he doesn't win."

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