Nicky Henderson has announced the death of his star hurdler Sir Gino after the horse failed to recover from a severe infection. The six-year-old had been favourite to win this year's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival before sustaining a fractured pelvis in a race at Cheltenham in January.
Sir Gino had previously overcome a similar infection last year, going on to win the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. However, this time the infection spread too far despite the fractured pelvis healing well, leading to the decision to put him to sleep at the veterinary hospital on Tuesday.
Henderson shared the news on X, saying: "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 was not only brilliant but one of the nicest kindest horses you could ever wish to see."
Sir Gino was unbeaten in all seven of his starts, including three Grade 1s over hurdles and a Grade 2 chase victory. Henderson described him as "at least as good as any of the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained."
The horse was owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, who Henderson said "care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel."
