The racing world has been deeply affected by the news regarding Sir Gino, the exceptionally talented but ill-fated star of Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard. Following his injury at Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day, here is a comprehensive look at his career history, his current status, and the outlook for tomorrow’s racing.
Sir Gino: A Champion’s Spirit, A Long Road Ahead
The atmosphere at Cheltenham turned from anticipation to somber concern this past Saturday when Sir Gino, the heavy favorite for the Unibet Hurdle and a leading hope for the Champion Hurdle, was pulled up sharply by Nico de Boinville.
The Rise and Trials of Sir Gino: A Full History
Sir Gino’s career has been a blend of breathtaking dominance on the track and heartbreaking misfortune off it. Born in France and sired by It’s Gino, he arrived in Britain with the reputation of a potential superstar.
2023: The French Debut and Arrival
Sir Gino first served notice of his talent in April 2023 at Auteuil, winning the Listed Prix Wild Monarch on heavy ground by a staggering margin. This performance caught the eye of bloodstock agent Jerry McGrath, leading to his purchase by Joe and Marie Donnelly and his relocation to Nicky Henderson.
2024: Brilliance and the “Cheltenham Cloud”
His first season in Britain was nothing short of flawless:
- December 2023: He made a winning debut for Henderson at Kempton, showing a “scary” turn of foot.
- January 2024: He established himself as the Triumph Hurdle favorite by demolishing the highly-rated Burdett Road by 10 lengths at Cheltenham.
- The Festival Heartbreak: Despite being the shortest-priced favorite of the week, Sir Gino was a high-profile absentee from the Cheltenham Festival after the Henderson yard fell under a “respiratory cloud.”
- April 2024: He gained redemption at Aintree, winning the Grade 1 Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle comfortably to remain unbeaten (4-for-4).
2025: Setbacks and the Resurrection
Last season was supposed to be his transition to the elite “Open” category, but disaster struck early.
- The Infection: He developed a life-threatening infection in the ligaments of his near hind leg, which required six weeks of hospitalization and ruled him out for the entire 2024/25 campaign.
- The Comeback: On Boxing Day 2025, he returned after a 12-month absence to win the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, looking better than ever and cementing his place as the main threat to the Champion Hurdle crown.
Current Status: The Latest from Nicky Henderson
The events of Saturday, January 24, 2026, have put a halt to those dreams once again. While traveling strongly in the Unibet Hurdle, Sir Gino was pulled up sharply by Nico de Boinville.
- Injury Update: Scans at the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic confirmed a fractured pelvis (two fracture lines).
- Recovery: Henderson’s assistant, George Daly, reported the horse is “bright” and “comfortable.” While he is out for the rest of the 2026 season, the vet team believes he could make a full recovery given his age and constitution.
- The Irony: This injury is to his right hind leg—the opposite of the leg that suffered the infection last year.
Nicky Henderson’s Reflections
The trainer was visibly moved when discussing the horse, who has faced an incredibly unlucky run of health issues despite his immense talent. Henderson’s assistant, George Daly, recently shared a photo of the horse looking “bright,” a small but meaningful comfort for the team at Seven Barrows and his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly.
“He’s a poor boy who spent most of last year in hospital, and he’s going to spend most of it there this year as well. But if he can come back, he will. If he can’t, he’ll be looked after forever.” — Nicky Henderson
Tomorrow’s Racing: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
While the sport digests the Sir Gino news, the action continues tomorrow with cards at Chepstow, Wolverhampton, and Hereford.
Timeform Naps & Best Rated Horses
The “Timeform Nap”: All eyes are on Charisma Cat (15:12 Chepstow). After a dominant win last time out, the handicapper has raised him, but the manner of that victory suggests he has plenty more in the locker. He is the clear pick for tomorrow’s “best bet.”
Timeform Best Bets (Chepstow)
• Value Play: Genietoile (15:47 Chepstow) – Priced at 8/1. He is noted as a “small p” horse (meaning he is open to significant improvement) and the step up to three miles is expected to suit him.
Silks and Shenanigans 