"This is a bright star and he’s wounded" - Henderson distraught as Sir Gino is ruled out indefinitely
Rising star Sir Gino has been ruled out for the season due to a severe injury, as announced by Nicky Henderson. The two-time Grade One winner suffered a cut that led to an infection in his ligaments, causing his situation to deteriorate rapidly. Currently receiving treatment at Donnington Grove equine hospital, Henderson and the racing community hold little hope for Sir Gino's return this season. In his absence, Majborough has become the odds-on favorite for the 2025 Arkle Challenge Trophy. This unforeseen event has left fans and punters disappointed.
- Sir Gino is out for the season due to a ligament infection
- Nicky Henderson is devastated by the sudden turn of events
- Majborough becomes favorite for the 2025 Arkle Challenge Trophy
Nicky Henderson was forced to relay bad news on Monday, ruling rising stable star Sir Gino out for the foreseeable future.
On Friday of last week, Henderson withdrew Sir Gino from his intended Arkle prep run in the Game Spirit Chase. The two-time Grade One winner has suffered a cut on the gallops, but Henderson remained optimistic that his charge would be fit to compete at the Cheltenham Festival.
Exchange watchers sent X into uproar yesterday, when Sir Gino began to drift in the betting for the 2025 Arkle Challenge Trophy. Soon after this development was made public, Nicky Henderson released an official statement via his X account.
"Unfortunately Sir Gino’s situation has deteriorated somewhat and he has been admitted to the equine hospital." Henderson said in his statement.
"As a result of initial examinations at Donnington Grove an infection has invaded the ligaments in his near hind leg. This will require lengthy treatment that will sadly rule him out of any further racing this season."
In an interview with the Racing Post later on Monday, Henderson cut a distraught figure. The former Champion Trainer could give no definitive timescale on Sir Gino's recovery, claiming his star would need divine inspiration to make it through this tragic incident.
Nicky continued, "This suddenly went down quite quickly from what we thought was all right. We were upbeat on Saturday morning but yesterday morning wasn’t so good at all, and last night wasn’t either. These things come on so quickly. It’s horrible and it comes from nowhere."
"We’re in the lap of the gods and the vets as to what the future holds, but we’re fighting away. He needs a bit of help from some very good vets, and he also probably needs help from upstairs too."
"It’s horrendous for Joe, Marie (Donnelly, owners), and everyone at Seven Barrows. It’s horrific. This is a bright star and he’s wounded, and he’s well wounded too. Joe has been a superstar of an owner and he understands. We’ve had some fantastically good horses with him, as has Willie. Don’t forget we lost Shishkin last year."
In Sir Gino's absence, Majborough was slashed into odds-on favouritism for the 2025 Arkle Challenge Trophy. L'Eau Du Sud, Only By Night and Touch Me Not have shortened in opposition, but punters are still reeling after being robbed of a true clash for the ages. Get well soon, Sir Gino!
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