Henderson hoping Sir Gino will still become ‘one of the greats’

Nicky Henderson is thankful for the well wishes as Sir Gino’s treatment continues following the hind leg infection that has ruled him out for the rest of the season.

The five-year-old is unbeaten in six starts and was widely regarded as the horse to beat in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival after his superb chasing debut in the Wayward Lad.

Prior to that, he had stepped into the shoes left vacant by stablemate Constitution Hill to stroll to victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, but with the latter horse clearly firing on all cylinders again, the way was clear for Sir Gino to thrive in his novice chasing career.

Those plans were firstly stalled when a small wound ruled him out of his intended run in the Game Spirit on Saturday, and the situation worsened from then on, with the gelding admitted to Donnington Grove Equine Hospital with an infection in the ligaments of the affected hind leg.

The treatment will rule him out of the remainder of the campaign and he will require extensive veterinary care, but those providing it are pleased with how he is responding so far.

“He’s doing OK, he’s still in what they would call intensive care,” said Henderson.

“He’s on his medication and they’re pleased with how it went yesterday.

“It’s not like he’s had to have any surgery or anything like that, he’s doing OK.”

The trainer added: “Firstly, we would just like to say thank you for the absolutely amazing amount of well wishes following Sir Gino’s setback and admittance to the equine hospital.

“It has been overwhelming that any horse could cause as much sentiment and it is much appreciated by us all.

“Sir Gino remains under treatment and the veterinary team were pleased with how that went yesterday. The situation does remain critical but he is comfortable and eating remarkably well under the circumstances.

“The medical attention will be ongoing for the foreseeable future and he is in the very best hands. He has the potential to be one of the greats and hopefully, with all fingers and toes crossed, he still will be.”