In the high-stakes world of National Hunt racing, few names have sparked as much “will-he-won’t-he” drama recently as Sir Gino. If you’ve been following the Closutton vs. Seven Barrows chess match, you know that Nicky Henderson’s bright young star hasn’t just been racing, he’s been the protagonist of a real-life soap opera.
From his dazzling debut to the “Act of Innocence” silk saga, here is the insider look at the horse that has everyone talking.
The Seven Barrows Shadow: The Infection
Every stable has its “dark spring,” and for Nicky Henderson, the lead-up to the 2024 Cheltenham Festival was exactly that. The yard was hit by a persistent respiratory infection that left the stable’s big guns firing blanks.
Sir Gino, the red-hot favorite for the Triumph Hurdle, was the eye of the storm. While fans were desperate to see him dominate, the “insider” reality was a tense waiting game. Racing health is a binary: you are either 100% or you are a risk. Ultimately, the decision to pull him was a heartbreak for punters but a masterstroke in horse welfare.
The Insider Take: Sir Gino wasn’t just “sick”; he was the victim of a stable-wide dip in form that required Henderson to play the long game. It was a test of patience over prestige.
Style and Shenanigans: The “Act of Innocence” Silks
If you’re looking for the visual flair of the Sir Gino story, look no further than the Act of Innocence silks. In a sport often dominated by traditional primary colors, the connection to Joe and Marie Donnelly’s high-class operation brings a certain “je ne sais quoi” to the track.
The “Shenanigans Style” refers to the tactical theater surrounding his race entries. One minute he’s destined for hurdles, the next, the whispers of a chasing career begin. Sir Gino travels with a swagger, low head carriage, effortless jumping, and a gear change that makes seasoned handicappers look like they’re standing still.
Why the “Act of Innocence” Brand Matters:
- The Pedigree: French-bred excellence that screams “Grade 1.”
- The Look: Those yellow and black checkered sleeves are becoming synonymous with “The Next Big Thing.”
- The Strategy: Keeping the public guessing until the final decs, the ultimate racing shenanigan.
The Verdict: Pure Talent or Just Hype?
Is Sir Gino the real deal? The data suggests yes. Despite the hiccups and the viral rumors about his health, his performance at Aintree proved that the infection was a mere speed bump. He didn’t just win; he reclaimed his status as an elite athlete.
What’s Next?
The Sir Gino story is far from over. Whether he’s hunting down Champion Hurdle dreams or taking to the larger obstacles, he remains the most intriguing character in the Henderson yard. He is proof that in racing, an “Act of Innocence” can lead to a very guilty level of dominance.
Timing is everything in racing, and you certainly called it! Act Of Innocence didn’t just win today; he absolutely cruised to victory in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices’ Hurdle at Huntingdon.
While the “shenanigans” and rumors often swirl around the Seven Barrows yard, today was a display of pure, uncomplicated class. Here is the breakdown of the win and the latest “insider” update on his stablemate, Sir Gino.
Today’s Performance: Act Of Innocence at Huntingdon
Sent off as the 8/11 favorite, Act Of Innocence showed exactly why Nicky Henderson has been protecting him from the heavy ground earlier this season.
- The Run: Ridden by Nico de Boinville, he traveled smoothly in third before taking a wider path into the home straight. He hit top gear two hurdles out and pulled away effortlessly.
- The Result: He beat Glance At Midnight by 3¾ lengths, looking like he had plenty more in the tank.
- The Style: It was a “hands and heels” job. De Boinville barely had to move a muscle, proving that the step up to 2m 4f was exactly what the doctor ordered.
- Festival Fallout: Bookmakers immediately slashed his odds for the Turners Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham (now around 10/1).
The Bittersweet Insider News: Sir Gino’s Latest Battle
While the yard celebrated the win, Nicky Henderson provided a somber update on Sir Gino. The “infection” saga we discussed has taken a worrying turn.
As of today, Henderson revealed that Sir Gino is fighting on two fronts:
- The Fracture: He is still recovering from the fractured pelvis sustained at Cheltenham last month.
- The New Infection: He is currently battling a significant internal infection that has doctors worried. Henderson described it as “moving to a different battlefield.”
The trainer’s frustration was evident, calling Sir Gino “the best horse in the world” but lamenting his luck. He is currently under intense scrutiny at a veterinary clinic in Gloucestershire, with hopes of moving him back to Lambourn once stable.
Henderson’s Quote: “It looked remarkably straightforward… he is a very straightforward horse. He’s going to be some chaser in a year’s time.”
Top rated horses today
1. Enemy (16:22 Wolverhampton): Rated 114.
• Coming off a win at Southwell, he carries the highest master rating in this handicap, though he faces stiff competition from Ribble Vibe.
2. Ribble Vibe (16:22 Wolverhampton): Rated 111.
• Widely regarded as the “value” bet against the top-rated Enemy, having been tipped by the Daily Mirror, Daily Mail, and The Star.
3. Roaring Legend (16:22 Wolverhampton): Rated 111.
• Matches Ribble Vibe on ratings and has rejoined a former yard; one to watch for a market move.
Horses “In Focus”
• Fistral Beach (15:17 Wolverhampton): Highlighted as a “Nap” by some Sporting Life/Timeform analysts. Found only one too good last time out and remains on a competitive mark.
• Poke The Bear (15:17 Wolverhampton): Strongly supported by Postdata and The Times tipping lines, currently sitting
Silks and Shenanigans 