A true fighter: top horse has turned a corner after two colic operations

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2EMH77X Altior during the visit to Nicky Henderson's yard at Seven Barrows, Lambourn. Picture date: Thursday February 25, 2021.
2EMH77X Altior during the visit to Nicky Henderson's yard at Seven Barrows, Lambourn. Picture date: Thursday February 25, 2021.
(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Altior has proved he is as much a fighter off the racecourse as on, as he appears to have “come out of the other side” after two colic operations.

The former top two-mile chaser, who retired in 2021, was found suffering from colic on 21 January. The 13-year-old was still in critical condition four days later, but National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson has issued a positive update.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.