Henderson is put through ‘hell’ despite Sprinter Sacre’s overwhelming victory

His 19-length victory over former champion Sizing Europe was so overwhelming that he has been given a handicap rating of 188 – 2lb higher than Master Minded recorded five years ago when he won his first Champion Chase.

This rating is just 2lb short of Kauto Star, the highest-rated horse in the history of the jump classifications.

“That was probably the worst five minutes of my life,” said trainer Henderson after his 49th Festival winner which took him ahead of his rival Paul Nicholls in the trainers’ championship.

“It was hell. It’s pure ability. He’s nearly that sort of perfect racehorse. It’s not always the good-looking ones that are the good ones, but in this case it is. He has that wow factor.

“We are very lucky to have him and you just have to hold your breath and enjoy it. I hope a few people out there have enjoyed watching it too.”

Sprinter Sacre, a chance purchase by Raymond and Caroline Mould from a ‘job lot’ of 21 offered by bloodstock agent David Minton, was a 1-4 favourite here and is already odds-on for next year’s renewal.

As for the future, Henderson said: “He’s just a two-miler and there aren’t very many races in the programme for him, but we have talked about Punchestown and I’m sure they would like us to talk about it a bit more.”

Referring to any potential match-up with stablemate Simonsig, who won the Arkle on Tuesday, he said: “It may well happen as they are both genuine two-milers.

“I guess Barry will be the one with the problem as he will have to choose which one to ride.”

Realistically, Geraghty will be having few sleepness nights – only injury is likely to prevent him from riding Sprinter Sacre because the seven-year-old steeplechaser has still to reach his peak.

“I’ve ridden some brilliant horses over the years, but the ease and the grace that he does it with sets him apart,” said the jockey, who was winning a fifth Queen Mother. “It’s hard to compare like with like. Moscow Flyer was a super horse, but this horse is unbelievable. It’s hard to take in.”

Just two favourites, Sprinter Sacre and the Willie Mullins-trained Back In Focus, prevailed on a day of shock results.

This was most evident in the concluding Bumper which Mullins took for an eighth time with 25-1 outsider Briar Hill, who was given a masterful ride by Ruby Walsh.

Ireland’s fifth winner on the day, it was a fifth success at this year’s Festival for the unstoppable Mullins who is responsible for leading Gold Cup contender Sir Des Champs tomorrow – and a fourth victory for Walsh.