Silks and Shenanigans

The Inside Track: UK & Irish Racing – January 25, 2026 – Sir Gino Update

Well, here we are, folks! Another Sunday of winter jumping is upon us, and as always, the UK and Irish racing scenes are buzzing with potential thrills and spills. While the headlines today might not scream “Cheltenham Gold Cup,” there’s still plenty to chew on, from promising novices to handicappers looking to defy the odds. So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the insider’s view of today’s action, with a quick look back at a rising star who’s got everyone talking – Sir Gino.

Naas: A Day for the Brave on Heavy Ground

The Co. Kildare track is serving up a classic winter’s day – heavy ground and plenty of tests for stamina and jumping prowess. This is where horses with guts truly shine, and a strong gallop will be essential.

12:55 Maiden Hurdle: The opener looks intriguing. Keep a close eye on Mon Creuset. This one has been doing all the right things at home, and the heavy ground should suit his breeding. While the Timeform boys have him top-rated, the market can often tell a tale in these maiden races. Any significant drift would make me wary, but if he’s backed, he could be a solid starting point for your Sunday punting.

13:25 Grade 3 Limestone Lad Hurdle: This is where the quality steps up. We’re looking for genuine Grade 3 performers. I’m listening to whispers about a horse who has been flying under the radar. Not one of the obvious favourites, but a dark horse with a strong trainer who’s been targeting this race. Without naming names, if you see a horse who’s been showing flashes of brilliance in slightly lesser company, taking a step up in trip, and the market is firming up… pay attention. The insiders are often privy to these “planned attacks.”

14:55 Handicap Hurdle (Timeform Nap): All eyes on Love Sign D’aunou, Timeform’s Nap of the Day. At roughly even money, the bookies certainly agree. This horse has been knocking on the door, and the heavy ground is a big plus. When Timeform puts their reputation on the line with a Nap, it’s usually for a good reason – they’ve identified a horse who is well-handicapped or simply superior to its rivals under today’s conditions. It’s tough to go against their top pick here, especially with the confidence behind it.

15:25 Grade 3 Novice Chase: Flicker Of Hope is the standout here with a TFR of 142. He comes into this off a C&D win, which is always a massive advantage, particularly on heavy ground where course experience counts for so much. His jumping should be sound, and if he gets into a rhythm, he’ll be a tough nut to crack. This is a progressive sort, and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the step up in grade. He certainly has the profile of a future star.

Sedgefield: Northern Charm and a Handicap Highlight

Over in the North East, Sedgefield offers a slightly different flavour of racing, often characterised by competitive handicaps and horses who relish this specific track.

14:40 Novice Hurdle: Kazar Forez is the one to beat here at 8/13. Trainer confidence and ability often shine through in these novice contests, and this horse has been showing good form. Expect him to be prominent and make all the running if he’s on song.

15:10 Handicap Hurdle: This is the feature race at Sedgefield today and where we find Indian River, Timeform’s top pick with a TFR of 129p. The ‘p’ suffix indicates potential for further improvement, which is music to any punter’s ears. He’s clearly got ability, and if he continues to progress as expected, he could be very hard to beat off his current mark. Handicaps are notoriously tricky, but a horse with a ‘p’ and a strong Timeform rating is always worth noting.

🚨 Breaking News: Sir Gino’s Injury Update

The racing world was left in shock yesterday during Cheltenham’s Trials Day (Saturday, Jan 24). Sir Gino, who went into the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle as the 2/5 favorite and the leading hope for the Champion Hurdle, was pulled up sharply just after halfway by Nico de Boinville.

The Injury: Nicky Henderson confirmed last night that Sir Gino has suffered a fractured pelvis.
Current Status: He was transported directly to the Three Counties Equine Hospital. Henderson reported this morning that the horse is “comfortable and stable,” which is the best news fans could hope for given the severity of a pelvic fracture.
The Prognosis: While stable, the prognosis remains “guarded.” He will undergo further scans over the next few days to determine the full extent of the damage.
Season Over: This obviously rules him out of the Cheltenham Festival in March, where he was the ante-post favorite for the Champion Hurdle.

🐎 Impact on the Champion Hurdle Market

With Sir Gino sidelined, the betting landscape for the Champion Hurdle has shifted dramatically overnight:

Lossiemouth has moved into the 7/4 favorite position (from 13/2).
The New Lion, who won yesterday’s race, has seen his odds slashed to 5/2.

Sir Gino isn’t just a talented horse; he was widely considered the “new superstar” of the Henderson yard. The focus today for the Seven Barrows team will be entirely on his recovery rather than the results at Naas or Sedgefield.

Heavy Hearts and Hacking Canters: A Day of High Drama at Cheltenham & Doncaster

There is a specific, heavy silence that descends on Cheltenham when a superstar falters. It’s a silence that drowns out the cheers of the winning enclosure and the frantic scribbling of the bookies. Today, on Festival Trials Day, that silence belonged to Sir Gino.

It was a day defined by the “shenanigans” of tactical warfare, a shocking injury to a champion, and a significant shift in the power dynamics of the National Hunt season.

The Seven Barrows Stall: Sir Gino’s Heartbreak

The script for the Grade 2 Unibet Hurdle was simple: Sir Gino, the horse Nicky Henderson famously calls his “Ferrari,” was to cruise to victory in those iconic Mrs. J. Donnelly yellow and black silks.

But racing is rarely simple.

The four-runner field engaged in what can only be described as a tactical farce. They “hacked” around the course at a crawl—Dan Skelton later noted they were barely touching 24mph. It was a game of cat and mouse that left the crowd restless and the horses unextended.

Then came the moment that changed the season. Turning for home at the top of the hill, Sir Gino landed awkwardly after the third-last. Nico de Boinville, a man who knows the heartbeat of his horses better than most, didn’t hesitate. He pulled the 2/5 favorite up immediately.

“It appears to be a pelvic injury. He was able to walk into the ambulance, which is a blessing, but he’s gone straight to the Three Counties Equine Hospital for scans. We just have to keep everything crossed.” — Nicky Henderson

While the Seven Barrows team faces an anxious wait, the racing world is sending nothing but warmth to a horse that has already overcome so much, including a life-threatening infection just a year ago.

The New King of the Jungle?

In the vacuum left by Sir Gino, The New Lion (9/4) showed the grit of a true Champion Hurdle contender. Under a patient Harry Skelton, he mastered Nemean Lion by a length and a half.

It was a “workmanlike” performance, hindered by the slow pace, but his speed after the last flight was undeniable. With Sir Gino’s participation in March now in serious doubt, the markets reacted instantly, slashing The New Lion to a general 5/2 favorite for the Champion Hurdle.

Doncaster: Soft Ground and Stable Success

While the mood was somber in the Cotswolds, the action at Doncaster was relentless. The ground was testing, and the winners had to dig deep.

Sky Bet Chase

Dartmoor Pirate

Rex Dingle / A. Honeyball

A tactical masterclass. Dingle sat off the pace and sliced through the field to win by nearly 4 lengths.

Yorkshire Rose Mares’ Hurdle

Feet Of A Dancer

Sean O’Keeffe / P. Fahey

The 7/4 favorite lived up to her billing, outstaying the game Dream On Baby in a finish that required serious stamina.

Handicap Chase (15:13)

Mighty Bandit

James Bowen / W. Greatrex

Convincing. He handled the soft ground better than any and looks like a horse with a huge future in the spring.

The Skelton Double: Dan Skelton capped a bittersweet day by landing the bumper with Diamond Street (5/2f), following up his Cheltenham success. It’s clear the Skelton yard is firing on all cylinders as we approach the business end of the season.

The Verdict: A Day for Perspective

Today was a reminder that in this game, the “shenanigans” of a race can be forgotten in a heartbeat when the welfare of a horse is at stake. The stable silks of Seven Barrows may be heading home with a heavy heart tonight, but the resilience of the racing community is unparalleled.

The Road to Cheltenham has taken a sharp, unexpected turn. The Ferrari is in the garage, and the Lion is roaring.

Danny Mullins is Jockey to watch he has a ride for his mother today, won last Sunday at huge odds.

The Anatomy of Winning Trainers – Breakdown of Results

It was a day of action at Cheltenham and Fairyhouse offering a neat little microcosm of the winter game: dominant yards doing dominant‑yard things, a few upsets to keep the layers honest, and the familiar sight of Willie Mullins casually bending Irish graded races to his will.

Below is the full pundit breakdown, trainer by trainer, trend by trend, and with a little wink to the patterns that keep repeating themselves.

🏇 Cheltenham: Patterns in Precision

Cheltenham’s card delivered a blend of expected winners and eyebrow‑raisers, with several trainers showing why they remain fixtures at the top of the National Hunt ecosystem.

Dan Skelton – Efficiency Mode Activated

Skelton’s team struck early through In The Age, who landed the Happy New Year Novices’ Hurdle at Catterick before the Cheltenham card got rolling Timeform. While not a Cheltenham strike, it set the tone for the day: Skelton’s novices are forward, fit, and running to mark.
At Cheltenham itself, his string maintained consistency across the card, reinforcing the stable’s winter rhythm.

Donald McCain – The Value Sniper

McCain’s Inedit d’Amour popped up at 18/1 in the Maiden Hurdle Timeform—a classic McCain move: take a horse with a bit of French form, place it cleverly, and let the market underestimate it.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a reminder that McCain’s team is quietly excellent at exploiting openings in mid‑tier hurdles.

The Cheltenham Landscape

Across the afternoon, the winning trainers shared a common thread:

Horses were fit and forward, not needing the run.
Jockey‑trainer partnerships were well‑established, with no experimental pairings.
Winners tended to be prominent racers, handling the ground and tempo cleanly.

Cheltenham rewarded professionalism over flair, exactly the sort of day where the top yards quietly pad their seasonal totals.

🇮🇪 Fairyhouse: Mullins, Mullins, Mullins

If Cheltenham was a study in competitive balance, Fairyhouse was a masterclass in Irish hierarchy.

Willie Mullins – The Inevitable Headline

The standout moment came courtesy of Dinoblue, who survived a dramatic last‑fence blunder to win the Grade 3 Mares Chase Southend Echo.

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Mark Walsh
Owner: JP McManus
Margin: Seven lengths
Drama: Enough to make Walsh briefly consider levitation

This was Mullins in microcosm:

A short‑priced favourite
A moment of chaos
A recovery that still results in a comfortable win

Even when things go wrong, they go right.

Gordon Elliott – The Runner‑Up Machine

Elliott’s Shecouldbeanything chased Dinoblue home Southend Echo, continuing a theme of the season: Elliott’s mares are running well, but Mullins’ mares are running better. It’s not a gulf, it’s a gravitational pull.

The Fairyhouse Formula

The day’s results reinforced the Irish winter pattern:

Mullins dominates graded races
Elliott picks up the pieces and the place money
Smaller yards need perfect conditions to land a blow

It’s a familiar script, but one that remains compelling because of the quality on show.

🔍 Trainer Trends: What Yesterday Tells Us

Big Yards Are Peaking Early

Both Cheltenham and Fairyhouse showed that the major operations—Skelton, Mullins, McCain, Elliott, have their strings tuned and firing. No “needing the run” excuses here.

Market Respect Matters

Short‑priced favourites generally justified their positions, with the exception of the occasional McCain‑style ambush.

Mares Are Having a Moment

Dinoblue’s win wasn’t just a Mullins victory, it was another reminder of the depth in the mares’ division this season.

🧩 The Anatomy of Winning Trainers – Summary Table

🎤 Final Word: A Day That Reinforced the Hierarchy

Yesterday didn’t rewrite any narratives, but it sharpened them.

Mullins remains the gravitational centre of Irish racing.
Skelton and McCain continue to show that English yards can still out‑think the market.
Elliott is consistent, competitive, and just one Mullins wobble away from a big run of wins.

It was a day of predictable excellence, occasional surprises, and the kind of trainer patterns that make winter racing such a rich study.

Trails Day Cheltenham

🏔️ The Cheltenham “Trials Day” Special

🏔️ The Cheltenham “Trials Day” Special

Grab your binoculars and steady your nerves. Saturday, January 24th, is a proper winter scorcher. While the eyes of the racing world are fixed on the hallowed undulations of Cheltenham for Trials Day, the gritty stamina tests at Doncaster offer plenty of opportunities to catch the bookies cold.

Here is your combined Silks & Shenanigans guide to tomorrow’s high-stakes action.

🏔️ The Main Event: Cheltenham Trials Day

This isn’t just a race meeting; it’s a reconnaissance mission. The ground is currently Soft (Good to Soft in places), and every race on the eight-race card is a literal trial for the Festival in March.

🏆 The Cotswold Chase (14:25)

The big guns are out for this Gold Cup dress rehearsal.

The Star: Grey Dawning (4/7) is the one to beat. After a monster win in the Betfair Chase, Dan Skelton’s star is looking to cement his place as Britain’s best hope for the Gold Cup.
The Defender: L’Homme Presse won this last year and thrives on the New Course. At around 4/1, he’s the class alternative if you think the favorite is too short. But V Williams strike rate is significantly lower this season.
The Irish Raider: Spillane’s Tower makes his first trip across the water this term. He’s a Grade 1 winner who could easily spoil the party.

🥊 The International Hurdle (15:00)

A clash of the titans between Sir Gino and The New Lion. Sir Gino is the current 5/4 favorite for the Champion Hurdle, but he faces a massive test here. Many are calling it a match race, if you’re looking for value, the market may underestimate whichever one isn’t leading at the second last.

🏇 The Best of the Rest: Doncaster & Beyond

While Cheltenham takes the headlines, Doncaster hosts the historic Great Yorkshire Chase (14:05). The ground there is Soft (Heavy in places), so only the toughest mudlarks need apply.

🏆 Great Yorkshire Chase (14:05 Doncaster)

The Pick: Grand Geste (5/2) is the Timeform top-rated horse here. He has a high cruising speed and seems perfectly suited for this 3-mile test.
The Mudlark: Keep an eye on Josh The Boss. He loves a slog and won impressively at this track back in November.

💎 The “Naps” (Best Bets)

Bet Type

Horse

Race

Why?

The Banker

Grey Dawning

14:25 Cheltenham

The model of consistency. Should handle the soft ground with ease.

The Punt

Uncle Bert

13:15 Cheltenham

Nigel Twiston-Davies is the king of Trials Day. This horse is a course specialist and a steal at 9/1.

The Flat Nap

Highland Crystal

12:20 Doncaster

Timeform’s highest-rated juvenile on the card. Looks to have a gear her rivals lack.

🎰 The “Shenanigans” Longshot

Prairie Wolf (13:15 Cheltenham) Coming in at 14/1, this one is the classic Silks & Shenanigans “each-way sneak.” He’s a tough traveler who has been hitting the frame in big handicaps all season. If the pace collapses up front, expect him to be staying on strongest of all up the hill.

📊 Timeform Best Rated (At a Glance)

14:25 Cheltenham: Grey Dawning (Clear of the field on adjusted figures)
15:00 Cheltenham: Sir Gino (Elite speed figures for his age)
14:05 Doncaster: Grand Geste (Top-rated for the Great Yorkshire Chase)

THE TURF TICKER: “Trials, Tribulations, and Too Much Tweed”

The only blog that likes its odds short and its gin doubles.

Welcome to the January 24, 2026 edition of the Ticker. If you’ve survived the frostbite from last weekend’s Ascot heroics, congratulations. You’re just in time for Cheltenham Trials Day, the annual event where we all pretend we know exactly what will happen in March, only to be proven wrong by a Willie Mullins horse we’ve never heard of.

🏆 THE HEADLINER: Sir Gino vs. The World

The Race: The International Hurdle (Cheltenham)

Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino is currently the 5/4 favourite for the Champion Hurdle. This Saturday, he lines up against Dan Skelton’s The New Lion.

The Insider View: If Sir Gino wins by ten lengths, the “Henderson is back” headlines will be visible from space. If he finishes a narrow second, expect the Seven Barrows Twitter account to report a “slight sniffle” or “unfavourable grass length” within minutes.
The Reality: We’ll all over-analyze every jump like it’s a Zapruder film, then Sir Gino will go into a dark room until March 10th.

🐎 THE “HYPE TRAIN” STATION: Old Park Star

The Race: Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle (Haydock)

Nicky Henderson (yes, him again) is sending Old Park Star to Haydock. He’s 2-2 over hurdles and currently the second favorite for the Supreme.

The Insider View: This horse is named like a retirement home, but he runs like he’s stolen something.
Fact: He’s 7/1 for the Supreme Novices’. If he wins here, those odds will evaporate faster than a free bar at a yearling sale.

🏗️ THE “STAYERS” STRAMASH: Impose Toi

The Race: Cleeve Hurdle (Cheltenham)

JP McManus’s Impose Toi (5/4 fav) is trying to prove he’s the best British hope for the Stayers’ Hurdle. He faces Strong Leader and last year’s winner Gowel Road.

The Insider View: Harry Cobden was supposed to ride Jonbon last week but got injured. James Bowen stepped in, won, and probably hasn’t stopped smiling since. Cobden is back this Saturday to partner Ma Shantou in this race, expect him to ride like a man who owes his bookie a very large Christmas card.

🇺🇸 THE “CASH & CHAOS” SPECIAL: Pegasus World Cup

The Race: Gulfstream Park, Florida

For those of you staying up late, the $3 Million Pegasus World Cup is happening. It features Skippylongstocking (making his fourth appearance, the absolute legend) and the undefeated Disco Time.

The Insider View: It’s in Miami. There will be more Botox and white linen than a Beverly Hills plastic surgery convention.
Fact: White Abarrio is also back. He’s the equine equivalent of a rock star who keeps announcing “farewell tours” but just loves the stage too much.

THE “MUG’S” MULTIPLE (Use at your own peril):

Sir Gino (Cheltenham) – Because betting against Henderson in January is a path to poverty.
Grey Dawning (Cotswold Chase) – The Betfair Chase winner. He’s basically a tank with a tail.
Old Park Star (Haydock) – To keep the Supreme dream alive.

In the high-octane world of National Hunt racing, where mud, guts, and glory collide, few characters play the game with as much tactical panache,or as much of a “catch me if you can” grin, as Danny Mullins.

If you’ve been watching the “Silks and Shenanigans” of the 2025/26 season, you’ll know that Danny isn’t just a jockey; he’s a master of the opportunistic strike. Whether he’s steering a 125/1 longshot to victory or dominating a Grade 1 across the Atlantic, the 32-year-old has become the ultimate “super-sub” and tactical wizard of the weighing room.

The King of the Longshots

Most jockeys dream of a winner every now and then, but Danny has a knack for finding them in the places no one else is looking. Just this week at Down Royal (January 20, 2026), he pulled off the ultimate heist, steering Green Hope to a stunning victory at odds of 125/1.

It wasn’t just a fluke; it was a quintessential Danny Mullins ride,ignoring the price tag, trusting the horse, and timing the run to perfection. As trainer Ross Crawford noted, the instructions were simple: “Ignore the price.” Danny did exactly that, proving once again that in his hands, no horse is truly an outsider.

A Summer of Grade 1 Glory

While many Irish jockeys take a breather during the summer, Danny was busy stamping the Mullins name on the international stage. In July 2025, he hopped over to Saratoga to land the Grade 1 A.P. Smithwick Memorial Handicap aboard Historic Heart.

Winning a Grade 1 in the U.S. is one thing, but doing it with the tactical “no petrol used” style he’s famous for is another. He tracked the leaders, jumped with precision, and stayed cool under the Saratoga sun, proving his “big day” temperament isn’t just limited to the mud of Punchestown or the hills of Cheltenham.

Family Ties and the Leopardstown Ambassadorship

Racing is a family business for the Mullins dynasty, but Danny has carved out his own distinct path. A major highlight of 2025 was winning the Paddy and Maureen Mullins Mares’ Handicap Hurdle at the Dublin Racing Festival on Vischio. Winning a race named after your grandparents is the stuff of legend, and doing it for his cousin Emmet Mullins only added to the “Shenanigans” in the winner’s enclosure.

It’s no surprise, then, that Leopardstown Racecourse recently announced him as their official Ambassador for 2026. With over 28 Grade 1 wins to his name, he’s the perfect face for the track where he secured some of his biggest thrills, from the Irish Gold Cup on Kemboy to the Dublin Chase on Solness.

Why You Should Follow Him

What makes Danny a “jockey to follow” isn’t just the wins—it’s the way he wins. He is arguably the best tactical rider in the business when it comes to:

Front-running masterclasses: Think back to his back-to-back Stayers’ Hurdle wins on Flooring Porter.
The “Mullins Masterpiece”: He’s the go-to man for uncle Willie Mullins when a tactical second-stringer needs a brilliant ride, recently seen with his treble at Navan on the likes of Doctor Steinberg and Saint Baco.
Fearless versatility: From 2-mile sprints to 3-mile slogs, he finds the rhythm that others miss.

One to Watch: High Class Hero

Keep your eyes on the silks this week. Danny is booked for several high-profile rides, including High Class Hero in the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park (January 22, 2026). In a race known for its drama, Danny’s ability to navigate chaos is worth its weight in gold.

“The big days are what it’s all about. Riding under pressure on those days—that’s the buzz.” — Danny Mullins

Sir Gino vs. The New Lion: The Cheltenham Trials Day “Tweet-Off”

Well, well, well, racing fans and fellow purveyors of paddock gossip! What a Saturday it is going to be. The air was thick with anticipation, the bookies were sweating like a sinner in church, and the social media feeds were buzzing harder than a hive after a sugar rush. We’re talking about the clash of the titans, the rumble in the jungle, the… well, you get the idea. Sir Gino versus the New Lion. And let me tell you, the fallout on X (formerly Twitter, for you old-schoolers) has been epic.

The Pre-Race Shenanigans: Silks and Subtle Stabs

The whispers started early, even before the first hoof touched the hallowed turf. Sir Gino’s camp, ever the showmen, unveiled their new silks. A shimmering, iridescent number that looked like it was woven from the tears of defeated rivals and the hopes of a million quid. “A bold statement,” chirped one “insider” who prefers to remain anonymous (let’s call him ‘The Whisperer’), “A deliberate attempt to blind the competition, physically and metaphorically.”

Meanwhile, the New Lion’s team, in their understated yet undeniably potent emerald and gold, were practically purring with quiet confidence. “We don’t need fancy raiment,” sneered ‘The Stable Sage’, a seasoned observer whose opinions are as sharp as a jockey’s elbow. “Our form speaks for itself. And frankly, that glittery get-up looks like something a unicorn would wear to a disco.” Ouch! The gloves were off before the horses were even saddled!

Sir Gino vs. The New Lion: The Cheltenham Trials Day “Tweet-Off”

Hold onto your flat caps and clear your browser cache, because the Unibet Hurdle this Saturday isn’t just a race—it’s a digital turf war. We’ve got Sir Gino, Nicky Henderson’s unbeaten wunderkind who treats hurdles like minor inconveniences, going head-to-head with The New Lion, Dan Skelton’s heavy hitter who’s looking to roar back after a “tactical lie-down” (read: fall) at Newcastle.

If these two were allowed smartphones in the stable, here is the satirical chaos we’d be refreshing on X this Saturday.

🧵 The Pre-Race X-Feed: “The Clash of the GL50”

@SirGino_Official 🥂

Just finished a light leg stretch. The grass was slightly the wrong shade of green, but we persevered. To the fans: don’t worry, the crown is already polished. To the ‘Lion’: I hear the ground is soft—perfect for another nap? 😉 #UnbeatenVibes #HendersonElite #SirGino

@TheNew_Lion_Real 🦁

(Replying to @SirGino_Official) Rich coming from a horse who spends more time in the spa than on the gallops. Saturday isn’t a beauty pageant, Gino. It’s a hunt. And I’m feeling particularly hungry. Hope you like the view of my tail. 🥩🔥 #LionHeart #SkeltonSquad #NoSafetyNet

🎙️ The Insider Whispers: Silks and Shenanigans

According to “The Paddock Prowler”—a man who claims to be able to tell a horse’s mood by the frequency of its neighs—the vibes at Seven Barrows and Alne are… spicy.

The Silk Stand-off: Sir Gino will be sporting the iconic Donnelly Maroon with Beige Spots. Rumor has it the spots have been aerodynamically repositioned to reduce wind resistance by 0.004\%. Meanwhile, The New Lion carries the JP McManus Emerald Green and Gold Hoops. Insiders suggest the green is specifically chosen to camouflage him against the Cheltenham turf, allowing him to materialize out of thin air at the final flight.
The “Fall” Factor: The Skelton camp is reportedly tired of the “New Lion fell last time” narrative. “It wasn’t a fall,” whispered one stable hand. “It was a gravitational protest. He’s much more grounded now.”
The Henderson Huddle: Word is Nicky Henderson has been seen reading Sir Gino bedtime stories about Buveur D’Air to inspire him. Sir Gino reportedly yawned and asked for more electrolytes.

📊 The “Vibe Check” Form Guide

Contender

The Strategy

The “Shenanigan”

X-Bio Quote

Sir Gino

Gliding majestically while looking down his nose at the commoners.

Demanded his own private lane at the Curragh.

“Unbeaten. Unbothered. Unlikely to share my oats.”

The New Lion

Hunting the leader and pouncing with predatory intent.

Accidentally started a ‘Lion King’ singalong in the horsebox.

“Kings don’t ask for permission. They just take the Grade 2.”

🤳 Saturday 2:55 PM: The Final Leak

@RacingLeaker69:

Just saw Sir Gino’s jockey, Nico de Boinville, applying premium pomade to his fringe. 💇‍♂️ Meanwhile, Harry Skelton is currently staring at a picture of a gazelle to get in the ‘Lion’ mindset. The tension is so thick you could cut it with a discarded betting slip. #CheltenhamTrials #HurdleHysteria

@StableSecret77:

BREAKING: Sir Gino has just refused to enter the parade ring because he didn’t like the font on his number cloth. The New Lion is currently trying to eat a reporter’s microphone. It’s going to be a long afternoon. 🍿🏇

The Verdict: Whether you’re backing the “Sir” for his regal resume or the “Lion” for his comeback roar, Saturday is set to be a masterclass in equine ego.

🏇 A Quieter Trials Day: Sending Well Wishes to Harry Cobden

It’s one of the biggest dates in the National Hunt calendar. The Prestbury Park gates are swinging open for Cheltenham Trials Day, the air is crisp with anticipation, and the “Cheltenham Roar” is warming up its vocal cords. But as the declarations go up, there’s a notable absence that has left a bit of a hole in the heart of the paddock.

Harry Cobden won’t be in the plate this weekend.

After a heavy fall at Ascot last Saturday, where a spill from Neon Moon led to a nasty collision with a following horse, Harry is officially sidelined. While his agent, Sam Stronge, has reassured fans that it isn’t a long-term disaster, the “gyp” in his shoulder is enough to keep him grounded for the time being.

🟢 The Big Reveal: Number One for JP McManus

First, let’s talk about the news that shook the Weighing Room. This week, the racing world stood still as it was confirmed: Harry Cobden is the new retained number one rider for JP McManus in Britain and Ireland. It is the ultimate “I’ve made it” moment. Taking over from the likes of AP McCoy and Barry Geraghty, Harry will be the primary pilot for the most famous green and gold silks in the sport. While he’ll be finishing the season strong with Paul Nicholls, come May, he’ll be the man tasked with steering the McManus battalion across both sides of the Irish Sea.

💚 The Bittersweet “Green and Gold” Start

The timing is particularly cruel for Harry. Just days before his accident, he was announced as the new retained rider for the legendary JP McManus in Britain and Ireland, the racing equivalent of being handed the keys to a Ferrari.

He was due to debut those iconic silks aboard the superstar Jonbon in the Clarence House Chase. Seeing James Bowen step in to take the win was a reminder of the sport’s “highs and lows” nature. While we know Harry would have been cheering his new team on from the sofa, the competitive fire in him must have been itching to be out there.

🏠 A Tactical Reset

Paul Nicholls has confirmed that while Harry rests up, Sam Twiston-Davies and Freddie Gingell will be taking over the Ditcheat duties at Cheltenham.

• Sam Twiston-Davies picks up the ride on the exciting juvenile Minella Yoga.

• Freddie Gingell takes the reins on Quebecois.

Racing is a game of grit, but it’s also a game of patience. With the Cheltenham Festival just eight weeks away, there is no sense in rushing back for one afternoon and risking the big show in March. Harry has been the ultimate “iron man” of the circuit this season, chasing winners from Sedgefield to Sandown, and perhaps this forced break is the universe’s way of ensuring he’s at 100% for the championship battles ahead.

🥂 Rest Up, Harry

To the man who makes every fence look like a minor hurdle and every finish a tactical masterclass: take the time, eat the full English breakfast, and get that shoulder right. Trials Day won’t be quite the same without that blue and white (or green and gold) blur flying over the last, but we know the comeback will be worth the wait.

The silks are hanging up for now, but the shenanigans are only on pause.

The Seven Barrows Soap Opera: The Next Chapter 🎭🏇

All Eyes on the Golden Boy: Is Jonbon Ready for the Big Screen?

Pull up a chair and pour a glass of something fizzy, darlings. The gates at Seven Barrows are swinging wide, and if you listen closely, you can hear the rhythmic thud of hooves and the gentle sigh of Nicky Henderson as he plots the next move for the yard’s most handsome leading man.

That’s right, we’re talking about Jonbon.

If Seven Barrows is a long-running soap opera, Jonbon is the charismatic star who insists on doing his own stunts but occasionally has a “diva” moment in the parade ring. He’s got the pedigree, the physique, and that flashy white blaze that says, “I’m here, and I know I look good.

A bond like no other in Seven Barrows. 🥕 From the very first day, Nicky knew Jonbon was something special. Here’s to many more seasons of brilliance from the superstar chaser and his master trainer. 🏇✨

The Plot So Far…

We’ve watched him grow from “Douvan’s little brother” into a powerhouse in his own right. Last season was a rollercoaster of emotions, high-stakes drama at Sandown, a few nervous moments in the mud, and that relentless, “catch-me-if-you-can” cruising speed that leaves rivals gasping for air.

But in the world of Henderson, the script is never simple. There’s always a twist. Will he stick to the two-mile script where he’s the undisputed king of speed? Or will the writers (Nicky and JP McManus) decide he’s ready for a “character pivot” over longer distances?

Silks & Shenanigans: The Backstage Gossip

The Look: Spotless. If there was an Oscar for “Best Turned Out,” Jonbon would have a shelf full. He carries those iconic green and gold hoops with the swagger of a runway model.
The Temperament: High-strung or just highly motivated? He’s been known to get a bit “bouncy” before the off. It’s not nerves, darling, it’s star power.
The Rivalry: Every hero needs a villain (or at least a very talented foil). Whether he’s staring down the Irish battalions or fending off the young pretenders at home, Jonbon doesn’t just want to win; he wants to dominate the frame.

“He’s a bit like a Ferrari in a school zone, he just wants to go, and sometimes you just have to let him find his own gear.”

The Clarence House Cliffhanger: A Saturday Stunner! 🎭🏇

Hold onto your fascinators, darlings, because yesterday’s performance at Ascot was pure, unadulterated soap opera gold. If you thought the drama was reserved for the track, you clearly haven’t been following the backstage rider shuffle that had the Seven Barrows camp in a tizzy!

The Last-Minute Leading Man

The script was written for Harry Cobden to make his grand debut in the JP McManus green and gold. But in a twist worthy of a season finale, a tumble in an earlier race left Harry in the medical room and the “Golden Boy” without a pilot just thirty minutes before the off.

Enter the “Super-Sub,” James Bowen. With regular rider Nico de Boinville busy making headlines at Haydock with Old Park Star, James stepped into the spotlight with the cool composure of a veteran.

The Performance: Grit, Glory, and a Dash of Fear

It wasn’t the usual “cruising on the bridle” show we’ve come to expect. Jonbon had to dig deeper than a tabloid reporter at a royal wedding.

The Rivalry: Dan Skelton’s Thistle Ask played the perfect antagonist, setting a blistering, end-to-end gallop that had everyone, including Nicky, holding their breath.
The Scare: Three out, it looked like the star might be losing his shine. Henderson himself admitted he thought the legendary “never out of the first two” record was finally going to snap.
The Climax: But legends aren’t made of fluff, sweeties! Jonbon’s “older legs” found a second wind. While the 2/5 favorite Il Etait Temps took a dramatic, tired tumble (thankfully he’s up and fine!), Jonbon stayed on like a lion to reel in Thistle Ask and secure back-to-back Clarence House Chase titles.

“I was terrified he’d lose his record, let alone win,” Nicky confessed post-race. “He’s not as fast as he was, but the stamina kicks in. He’s a brave boy.”

The Post-Race Whispers

With a tenth Grade 1 now in the trophy cabinet, the “Seven Barrows Drama” shifts to the Cheltenham Festival script. Does he stick to the Champion Chase path where the young guns are waiting, or does Nicky finally give in to the “stamina” storyline and try him over further?

One thing is certain: Jonbon is no longer just the “expensive brother” of Douvan. He’s the undisputed veteran star of the stable, still capable of delivering a box-office performance when the chips are down.

What’s in the Script for 2026?

The rumors are swirling around the gallops. The whispers suggest he’s bigger, stronger, and perhaps a little more settled. But this is Seven Barrows, where the drama is part of the charm. One missed schooling session and the “will-he-won’t-he” headlines start all over again.

We’re all waiting for that first big appearance of the season. Will it be a masterclass in jumping, or will the “shenanigans” of a tactical race keep us on the edge of our seats? One thing is for sure: when Jonbon is on the card, you don’t change the channel.