Trainer Nicky Henderson has provided a concerning update on the condition of his star hurdler Sir Gino, following the horse being pulled up during the Grade Two Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day. The incident has sent shockwaves through the racing community, with the ante-post favourite for March's Champion Hurdle now facing an uncertain future.
Race Day Incident and Immediate Response
The 2-5 favourite, ridden by jockey Nico de Boinville, was being held up in the competitive race when he appeared to suffer an injury after the third last flight. Vets were quickly on the scene to attend to the horse, who was immediately dismounted and assessed by the course's expert veterinary team.
A statement from Cheltenham Racecourse confirmed: "In our sixth race of the day, Sir Gino was quickly pulled up and was dismounted. He was immediately attended to by our expert veterinary team where he was assessed on course. Sir Gino has walked onto the horse ambulance to go back to the stables for further assessment."
Henderson's Assessment and Veterinary Details
Speaking after the race, Henderson revealed the initial diagnosis: "It's right hind, it appears to be high up and there are no lower limb fractures. It would appear to be a pelvic injury. He will go straight to the Three Counties veterinary clinic where they can assess, scan and see where they are."
The trainer emphasised the uncertainty surrounding such injuries, noting: "Pelvic injuries can be little ones and big ones. We just have to keep everything crossed." The horse's immediate transfer to a specialist equine hospital underscores the seriousness of the situation.
Sir Gino's Racing Record and Significance
Sir Gino has been one of the most impressive performers in National Hunt racing, having won seven of his eight starts on the racecourse. His exceptional record had made him the clear ante-post favourite for the prestigious Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March.
Henderson expressed his admiration for the horse, stating: "I've been lucky to have had a lot of good horses and not many like him. He's special." This sentiment reflects the high regard in which the racing community holds Sir Gino, whose absence from the Festival would represent a significant blow to the event's competitive landscape.
Race Outcome and Competitive Context
With Sir Gino out of contention, The New Lion emerged victorious in the Unibet Hurdle, coming out best in a close finish against rivals Nemean Lion and Brentford Hope at odds of 9-4. The race's outcome was overshadowed by concerns for the injured favourite, however.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, occurring during Festival Trials Day when horses are typically fine-tuning their preparations for the main Cheltenham Festival in March. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the physical demands and risks inherent in top-level horse racing.
Racing enthusiasts and professionals alike will be anxiously awaiting further updates from the Three Counties veterinary clinic, where Sir Gino's condition will be thoroughly assessed through scanning and expert evaluation. The coming days will determine whether this promising hurdler can recover in time for his anticipated Champion Hurdle challenge.
