The excitement of Cheltenham's Trials Day was overshadowed by news that the unbeaten Sir Gino sustained a fractured pelvis in the International Hurdle, casting serious doubt on his bid for the Champion Hurdle in March. The Nicky Henderson-trained gelding, a 7-race unbeaten favourite for the festival feature, was pulled up by jockey Nico de Boinville after jumping the third-last flight.
Henderson later confirmed that scans at Three Counties Veterinary Clinic revealed the fracture, though the horse was described as comfortable and stable. 'The prognosis is guarded,' Henderson said. 'Further examinations over the next few days will determine the extent of the injury. The fact that he's comfortable tonight is the most important thing.'
The race was won by The New Lion, who stayed on strongly to beat Nemean Lion by a length and a half. Trainer Dan Skelton expressed relief but also concern for Sir Gino. 'He could be the best horse in training,' Skelton said. 'We just didn't need that.' The New Lion was subsequently cut to around 5-2 for the Champion Hurdle.
In the Grade Two Cotswold Chase, Spillane's Tower produced an impressive return to form, beating L'Homme Presse and Grey Dawning. Trainer Jimmy Mangan, celebrating his first British winner since Monty's Pass in 2003, saw his gelding cut from 50-1 to 10-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. 'You do have to start dreaming of the Gold Cup,' he said.
The meeting ended under floodlights after a 30-minute delay caused by a hole in the turf, leading to a course reconfiguration. Henderson also withdrew the likely favourite Act Of Innocence from the final race, which was won by Joe Tiz.
