Sir Gino comfortable and stable after fracturing pelvis

Nicky Henderson said on Saturday night that Sir Gino was "comfortable and stable" after his stable star was confirmed as having a fractured pelvis at Cheltenham.

One of the sport's brightest lights was transferred from the racecourse to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic after being pulled up in the Unibet Hurdle. 

Henderson posted an update on X, formerly known as Twitter, about 8.15pm. He said: "Following scans and x-rays, Sir Gino does have a fractured pelvis but having spoken to the great team that are caring for him they are hopeful that although this is obviously significant they have reported that he is comfortable and stable.  This is great news to us all.

"The prognosis is guarded and further examinations over the next few days while he is there will be able to determine the extent of the injury and any prognosis for the future. 

He added: "Thank you to everyone for their messages and concerns which are much appreciated and we will keep everyone up-to-date with any further news but the fact that he's comfortable tonight is the most important thing."

The mood at one of most anticipated fixtures in the British Jumps was sombre after Sir Gino's abrupt exit. 

A bulging crowd fell silent when the outstanding six-year-old, previously unbeaten in seven races and a three-time Grade One winner, was pulled up after jumping the flight at the top of the hill, shortly after halfway. 

The positive news that Sir Gino had been able to walk into the horse ambulance was tempered with the understanding that the next few hours, days and weeks will be critical.

Henderson told reporters: “They were able to put him into the ambulance, it’s his right-hind, it appears to be high up so there’s no lower limb fractures – it would appear to be a pelvic injury at the moment.

“He has loaded and I’d rather they take him to Three Counties veterinary hospital [in Gloucestershire] without unloading here and then they can assess and scan and just see where we are. Everybody is fighting.

“Pelvic injuries can be little or big, so we’ve just got to keep everything crossed."

He added:  “I’ve been lucky enough to have many good horses but I haven’t had many like him, I can tell you that."

Sir Gino had been odds-on favourite in the Grade Two event and had begun the day no bigger than 5-4 to win the Champion Hurdle back at Cheltenham in March.

But a horse blessed with any amount of ability has also been blighted with misfortune.

He was a short-priced favourite for the Triumph Hurdle two years ago but did not run because his stable was under a cloud.

Twelve months later, he was market leader for the Arkle but again missed out after suffering a life-threatening infection that led to him spending several weeks in hospital.

He had returned to action in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton after a year off the track, showing all his powers were intact with a commanding victory over Golden Ace, winner of the Champion Hurdle in 2025.

Sir Gino now faces an indefinite period of box rest.

Dan Skelton, who won Saturday's race with The New Lion, said: “I’m a big fan of this sport and Sir Gino could be the best horse in training and we just didn’t need that. We’re all thinking it and we just hope he is OK, it’s important.

“The team at Seven Barrows have been through hell and back to get him back on track and hopefully he is OK.”

The card ended in near darkness after the last race was delayed by a hole, possibly caused by a collapsed drain, being discovered. It led to inspections and a reconfiguring of the course.

When the race was eventually run it was the Joe Tizzard-trained Kripticjim who passed the post almost as one with Taurus Bay, with the judge able to separate them after a tense wait.

Ben Pauling, trainer of runner-up Taurus Bay, was eager to check the photo when it became apparent it was too dark for the photo to prove conclusive, so a decision was made from reviewing TV footage.

Pauling explained: “Basically from what I can work out, the photo you can’t see because it’s too dark so they have to use video footage and in my eyes that is conclusive Joe’s horse wins by a head.

“I heard there was a question over the technology so I just wanted to see it myself. It is what it is and I wanted the race on and it was simply too dark for the photo.”

On the delay, Pauling added: “Obviously we were called into the stewards’ room as a hole had appeared in a very awkward position right upsides the second-last fence where we are very narrow.

“I’m not going to say what it is as that is for the course, but there was a hole and first there was a discussion to not run the race. I think races like this are vital for horses’ preparations and we’ve just proven that and even though we haven’t won today that is the first time our horse has had a battle and he will have learned so much and will benefit for it next time out.

“When I went down, the ground staff had done a brilliant job, they had moved the rail to protect the hole and we felt it could come three yards further out and they would still have clear line of sight.

“Watching that race I don’t think anyone could say there was any noticeable jinking. I think we dealt with it the best we can and the fading light was another issue but no one has fallen, everyone is home safe and it’s a good result.”