UNBEATEN Nicky Henderson superstar Sir Gino ‘won’t be seen before Christmas’ – as he continues his recovery from a life-threatening condition.
The dual Grade 1 winner spent time in hospital after picking up a nasty infection in his leg.
PASir Gino is 4-1 joint favourite for the Champion Chase – but won’t be seen before Christmas according to trainer Nicky Henderson[/caption]
He was odds-on favourite for the Arkle this year but was forced to miss his second Cheltenham Festival in a row.
Sir Gino won the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last November then thrashed Ballyburn over fences at Kempton on December 27.
But he hasn’t seen a racecourse since – and it looks like any return to the track this season won’t come until the new year.
Henderson hosted a stable tour yesterday as part of National Racehorse Week and, according to one person in attendance, said Sir Gino ‘won’t be seen before Christmas’.
The Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned five-year-old is currently 4-1 joint-favourite for the Champion Chase.
He returned to Henderson’s Seven Barrows base in July – alongside stablemate Constitution Hill.
Hendo said both his stars looked ‘fantastic’ upon their return but insisted there was ‘no timetable’ for Sir Gino running again.
With the latest update suggesting he won’t be seen until 2026, that will rule him out of running in Sandown’s Tingle Creek.
Henderson has won the 2m Grade 1 the past two years with Jonbon – who could have an entirely different schedule for the new season.
JP McManus’ multiple Grade 1 winner could step up to 3m for the King George.
Henderson is inclined to follow his tried and tested route of the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November followed by the Tingle Creek.
But added: “We do have the option of going further.
“At the moment we’re thinking the Shloer and Tingle Creek.
“I don’t know about the King George, but going up in trip is an option.
“The first option out of the two-mile division is the Ascot Chase, but it’s too close to the Tingle Creek.
“We won’t know which way we’re going until nearer the time.”
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
