"It’s where we’re going to go" - Henderson readying Sir Gino for Christmas Hurdle comeback
Sir Gino, the rising star of National Hunt racing, is poised to make his much-anticipated return in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed the five-year-old's readiness after a remarkable recovery from a severe infection. Initially planned for a chasing career, Sir Gino's comeback race will provide him with the option to continue over hurdles or return to chasing. Golden Ace is likely to be his main rival, and a strong performance could set the stage for participation in the 2026 Champion Hurdle.
- Sir Gino returns to racing at Kempton's Christmas Hurdle after recovery
- Trainer Nicky Henderson hints at options for chasing or hurdles
- Potential next step: The 2026 Champion Hurdle if the return goes well
Sir Gino will make his long-awaited return from injury in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, according to trainer Nicky Henderson.
Sir Gino had the world at his feet going into the second half of last season. Nicky Henderson's rising star flattened some decent horses to make a winning reappearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle, before thrashing Ballyburn with an electrifying performance on his chasing debut at Kempton's Christmas Festival.
Henderson's five-year-old was then taken out of the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury after suffering small wound in his hind leg. At first, it seemed like Sir Gino was set for a short spell on the sidelines. However, the wound soon became infected by a "superbug", and National Hunt racing's brightest star was left fighting for his life.
Henderson delivered regular reports over the summer as Sir Gino fought off the virus. Soon after stablemate Constitution Hill suffered yet another fall in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, the 76-year-old trainer reported that Sir Gino was back in full work and, this week, Henderson revealed his comeback goal.
"The Christmas Hurdle is the plan, and he’s ready." Henderson said to the Racing Post. "He’s in very good form, and his work has been great. He’s got one more bit to do next week, and it’s where we’re going to go."
"I’ve always said Christmas for his return and I was looking at the Desert Orchid, but with what’s happened with State Man of the Donnellys (Joe and Marie, owners), who’s not there, and with Constitution Hill taking a break for Christmas, it leaves that open."
"The Donnellys don’t have another runner, and I don’t, so it’s a nice place for him to start."
Given how sensational his fencing was at Kempton, many were hoping Sir Gino would be taken down the Champion Chase route. Running in the Christmas Hurdle makes it almost certain that Sir Gino will take part in the 2026 Champion Hurdle instead, but Henderson hasn't ruled out a return to chasing if his Kempton reappearance goes to plan.
"It might seem funny going back to hurdles, but the race looks as though it could be quite open." Henderson continued. "We then have the option of going chasing or staying over hurdles after that, which is a bit like last season.
"He’s not a novice over fences, so I think a nice hurdle race will be a nicer way back for him. People say you’re mad when you have a horse who jumps that well, but let's see what happens."
"It wouldn’t be hard for him (to switch back to chasing). You just have to put it in front of him. If it’s low, he’ll jump low; if it’s tall, he’ll jump tall. He’s very straightforward."
The New Lion won't be heading to Kempton's Christmas Festival, while Anzadam and last year's runner-up, Lossiemouth are likely to take part in the Savills Hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas meet. That leaves Champion Hurdler and Fighting Fifth winner, Golden Ace as Sir Gino most likely opposition, in what will certainly be a small-field renewal of Kempton's Christmas Hurdle.
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