Henderson left with dilemma as Sir Gino misses Game Spirit
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sun 9 Feb 2025
Nicky Henderson’s Sir Gino will not run in Saturday’s William Hill Best Odds Guaranteed Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
The five-year-old has been ruled out of the Grade Two contest due to a minor injury that has left him sore and unable to run.
Henderson is now searching for alternative contests to get the gelding onto the racecourse ahead of his Cheltenham Festival target of the Arkle.
The trainer said via X: “We have some news to share on Sir Gino. Regrettably Sir Gino will be unable to run at Newbury tomorrow as he has sustained a small wound to the inside of his near hind leg which is sore, it must have occurred during routine exercise yesterday and although he is less sore this morning than last night, I am afraid it will not be completely cleared by Saturday.
“We anticipate that he will be back to normal by the beginning of next week so the timing is very unfortunate.
“This will leave us with a dilemma where to go in order to get another run before the Arkle. The Pendil at Kempton would be an option, although it is over two and a half miles which is not ideal.
“There are very few alternatives except for a newly created two-mile novice at Bangor on 26th February but that is getting horribly close to Cheltenham.”
Sir Gino has had just one start over fences so far, when running out a hugely impressive winner of the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas.
Related posts
Cheltenham five to follow: two more picks after 7-1, 5-2 and 7-5 winners
Dave Nevison's Cheltenham tips: a 100-1 selection on day two!
Lydia Hislop's Tuesday Cheltenham tips: Stick with Iroko
Cheltenham Festival tips: Dave Nevison likes a 20-1 shot on day one
Five horses to follow at Cheltenham on Wednesday
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets + Money back all losers first race every day Cheltenham with Boyle Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £40 in Free Bets with Tote
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in free bets + money back up to £10 if your horse loses with Virgin Bet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Majborough to win the Champion Chase 50/1 + £10 multi with Paddy Power
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved