Nicky Henderson has announced the death of Sir Gino, the six-year-old racehorse who failed to recover from a serious infection. The multiple Grade One-winning star had been recovering from a broken pelvis suffered during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
Henderson, who has a runner in this year's Grand National in Hyland, had been hopeful of a recovery at his Seven Barrows yard. However, he took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to confirm the sad news. 'We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino's ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning,' he wrote on X.
'He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far although his fractured pelvis was healing well. He was not only brilliant but one of the nicest kindest horses you could ever wish to see and this leaves an awful hole in Seven Barrows this morning.'
Sir Gino was unbeaten in his seven completed starts, including three Grade One wins over hurdles and an impressive display in a Grade Two Chase on his only start over fences. Henderson added: 'We would have to say that he was just at least as good as any of all the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained. Unforgettable in every way.'
The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned sensation had previously won at the Grand National meeting, beating this year's Arkle winner Kargese in the 2024 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle. Henderson had earlier expressed hope for recovery, saying: 'There's every chance he could make a good recovery, but the poor boy spent most of last year in hospital.'
