The world reacts with tear-filled joy to Sprinter Sacre’s remarkable victory

Rolling back the years.

At 5/1, there were not many people giving Sprinter Sacre, ridden by Nico de Boinville, a chance in Wednesday's Champion Chase. Un De Sceaux was odds-on to deliver Ruby Walsh his 50th festival win but few accounted for the never-say-day personality of 'The Big Black Aeroplane.' A heart problem two years ago led many to believe that glorious days like today were past the 10-year-old. But then this happened.

SPRINTER SACRE strides to victory in the Champion Chase! Fantastic comeback from the gelding. #CheltenhamFestival https://t.co/zw8h6Vy6OB

— Channel 4 Racing (@Channel4Racing) March 16, 2016

"Dreams do come true," trainer Nicky Henderson said of the success. "He has been a spectacular horse but to come back and do that, after all this time.... Everyone has worked so hard. He has been a very special horse, he had those two golden years when he was unbeatable but he had to be as good as that today." And the momentous occasion was reflected in the many, many congratulations. https://twitter.com/shanedarby9/status/710127406883934208 https://twitter.com/jotrenner/status/710127284246716416 https://twitter.com/Elaynareeves/status/710128754652217345 https://twitter.com/themelc1978/status/710128726143586304 https://twitter.com/knicksfan89/status/710127922472984577 https://twitter.com/old_man_milford/status/710128928040558596 https://twitter.com/JoelBayliss/status/710128751091310592 https://twitter.com/jesspuffer/status/710128963050405888 https://twitter.com/LewisThompson7/status/710129230798057472 https://twitter.com/flashfoster27/status/710127985874112512 https://twitter.com/Sirbobbyliveson/status/710127690263764992 https://twitter.com/NRandonFactor/status/710128772528398336 https://twitter.com/Kerrso86/status/710129983507832832 https://twitter.com/JayLfc94/status/710129379909767168