IT might seem a bit strange to be criticising a horse’s jumping when he’s hardly ever made a mistake in 16 races and 15 wins over fences. But champion chaser Altior’s jumping has come under more scrutiny this season. “Spending too much time in the air,” is the criticism. Two years ago it was something he was praised for.

But on close inspection, it seems more that Altior is just a very careful jumper. When he gets in tight, he seems to go up in the air like a show jumper, compared to many horses who get in close and brush through the top of fences.