Sir Gino Faces Lengthy Rehabilitation After Cheltenham Pelvic Fracture
Trainer Nicky Henderson has issued a detailed update on the condition of star hurdler Sir Gino, who sustained a serious injury during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. The six-year-old gelding, owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, suffered a double fracture to his pelvis after being pulled up abruptly by jockey Nico de Boinville following the third-last flight.
Initial Fears and Immediate Veterinary Care
Thousands of racegoers at the prestigious Cheltenham event feared the worst when Sir Gino, the 2-5 favourite for the race, was unable to continue. The horse was immediately transported to the Three Counties Equine Hospital in Tewkesbury for emergency assessment and treatment. Henderson confirmed the pelvic fracture diagnosis on Saturday evening, casting a shadow over what had been a highly anticipated performance.
On Sunday, Henderson reported more positive news, stating that Sir Gino had experienced "a reasonably comfortable night" and appeared "bright" according to his assistant George Daly, who visited the equine hospital. The trainer explained that veterinary scans have clearly identified two fracture lines in the pelvis, with further imaging planned to assess the full extent of the damage.
Recovery Timeline and Season Implications
Henderson has definitively ruled Sir Gino out for the remainder of the 2025-26 National Hunt season, meaning the gelding will miss the Cheltenham Festival for a third consecutive year. The seven-time winner was withdrawn from the 2024 meeting due to health concerns within Henderson's string, and now faces another extended absence from competition.
"It's going to be a long journey, but there's every chance he could make a good recovery," Henderson stated. "He won't race again this season. If he can come back he will and, if he can't, he'll be looked after forever."
Historical Context and Rehabilitation Prospects
This injury represents another setback for a horse who missed most of the previous season due to a ligament infection. Sir Gino had made a spectacular comeback in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, demonstrating his elite racing capabilities before this latest misfortune.
Henderson emphasized that this pelvic fracture is unrelated to previous health issues, occurring in the opposite hind leg. The trainer noted that such injuries are "not uncommon" in racehorses and can heal successfully with proper care and time.
The rehabilitation process will be measured in months rather than weeks, with Henderson cautioning that "it will be months and months before we know where we are or have any prognosis." The training team remains cautiously optimistic about the possibility of a full recovery and eventual return to racing.
Emotional Impact on Connections
Henderson expressed particular sympathy for owner Joe Donnelly and groom Karolina Wernerova, who cares for Sir Gino daily. "Nobody deserves it, but he certainly doesn't, and nor does Joe - and for Karolina, who looks after him, it was a horrible night," the trainer said. "Empty stables are not much fun."
This injury represents a significant blow to British jump racing, removing one of the season's most promising contenders from major competitions. Sir Gino had been trading as the 5-4 favourite for the Champion Hurdle before his Cheltenham mishap, highlighting the substantial expectations placed upon the talented hurdler.
