The Nicky Henderson-trained Altior© Photo Healy Racing
Special Tiara had no answer to Altior as he clinched the UK jumps trainers' championship for Nicky Henderson with a superb victory in the bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown.
The crack novice treated Henry de Bromhead's Queen Mother Champion Chase hero with disdain as he brushed aside the Irish raider, who had set the pace until the second-last fence.
Altior (30-100 favourite) sprinted clear for Nico de Boinville to take his 100 per cent record over fences to six with a ruthless eight-length triumph.
De Bromhead said: " Noel (Fehily) said he was delighted and that he felt great and jumped great. He did everything really well, he has just been beaten by an exceptional horse."
Henderson said of the winner: "He's top class. I think we've always known that."
De Boinville said: "He really is a star that shines very brightly. It's an incredible achievement for him and a great day all round. He was still a novice coming into open company. He picked up so well. It was just effortless."
Henderson added: "He's got a bit of everything - he's got class, he's got the gears. It's all very professional. At the moment the dream's very much alive.
"I think we've always known that he is very special ever since a young horse as a hurdler.
"You know that Special Tiara is going to set serious fractions but this fellow can always have it covered as he has the pace to do it.
"He has finished his first season (over fences) exactly how Sprinter Sacre ended his last year.
"There is still a long way to go but it is great to have him. He is very special."
Outlining plans for next season, Henderson said: "I don't see any point going further in trip when you don't need to. It will be Tingle Creek, Ascot and obviously Cheltenham has to be the objective."
