Nicky Henderson Steps In to Cover Sprinter Sacre's Veterinary Bills
Leading National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson has personally intervened to fund surgery for the legendary steeplechaser Sprinter Sacre, following confusion surrounding a public fundraising appeal for the retired champion's medical treatment.
Fundraiser Sparks Concern Among Racing Community
On Tuesday, alarm spread through the horse racing world when a GoFundMe page was launched by Vicki Roberts, who cares for the 20-year-old gelding in his retirement. The appeal sought contributions toward "essential" hospital treatment, quickly raising nearly £4,000 of a £5,000 target.
Roberts explained that Sprinter Sacre had "suffered an accident in the field whilst enjoying his retirement" and required "urgent referral for advanced diagnostics and treatment" despite immediate veterinary care. She emphasised that while owners Caroline Mould and Nicky Henderson had always provided excellent care, the costs of further investigation exceeded what could reasonably be covered privately.
Henderson Clarifies Situation and Assures Public
The fundraising initiative prompted considerable reaction on social media, with Henderson's daughter Camilla suggesting there had been misunderstandings about the situation. She indicated that her father had been informed, had visited the horse, and was in direct contact with veterinarians.
On Wednesday, Henderson himself moved to clarify the circumstances, stating that the GoFundMe page had been created "entirely independently" without the knowledge of Seven Barrows stables or owner Caroline Mould. He confirmed that Sprinter Sacre was receiving care at Donnington Veterinary Surgery with a Seven Barrows vet and would undergo a "minor procedure" funded completely by his operation.
"This was always the plan from the moment I was made aware of the issue," Henderson stated, adding that the champion chaser was "absolutely fine" and would return to his Gloucestershire home the following day.
Minor Procedure for Racing Legend
Henderson later provided further details about the injury, describing it as "a minor bang on the inside of a splint bone" requiring removal of a small chip. He characterised the procedure as "very simple" and confirmed that veterinary bills would be sent directly to him as part of his regular account with the practice.
The trainer suggested that funds already collected through the GoFundMe campaign could be donated to Racing Welfare, a charity supporting racing's workforce. This gesture acknowledges the concern shown by fans while redirecting resources to benefit the wider racing community.
Sprinter Sacre's Illustrious Career
Sprinter Sacre, trained by Henderson and owned by Caroline Mould, is widely regarded as one of the greatest chasers in National Hunt history. During his racing career, he won 18 of his 24 races, including two Queen Mother Champion Chase victories at the Cheltenham Festival in 2013 and 2016.
His 2016 triumph was particularly remarkable as it followed a series of health issues that threatened his career. Since retiring that same year, the gelding has become a regular feature at the Cheltenham Festival through the Retraining of Racehorses parade, where he continues to delight fans with his presence.
The swift resolution to this episode demonstrates the ongoing commitment of those involved in Sprinter Sacre's career to his wellbeing in retirement, while highlighting the deep affection the racing public holds for this exceptional athlete.
