ALTIOR took his unbeaten run over fences to a record 19 in a row as he led all the way to win the Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase for the third successive year at Sandown.

Nicky Henderson’s superstar threw down the gauntlet to the opposition from the off as he jumped from fence to fence, and whenever another horse got within touching distance, he pulled out more without being overly extended.

Sceau Royal tried to mount a challenge and did look dangerous at one stage, but he was ultimately brushed aside as the 1/6 favourite passed the post two and a half lengths to the good in the hands of Nico de Boinville.

The nine-year-old had joined mighty staying hurdler Big Buck’s on 18 wins when landing the Queen Mother Champion Chase for a second time at Cheltenham last month.