Sir Gino shortens to a hot favourite for Cheltenham Festival after sublime success: ‘A talented individual’

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James Bowen and Sir Gino on their way to winning at Cheltenham's Festival Trials Day - Sir Gino is now favourite for the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March
Sir Gino ridden by James Bowen wins the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle during the Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse in 2024.
(Image credit: Alamy Live News.)

On a day when high-calibre contenders came to the fore at Cheltenham Racecourse’s Festival Trials Day on Saturday (27 January), it was the Nicky Henderson-trained Sir Gino who took top billing as an ominously good Cheltenham Festival contender after a sublime victory.

National Hunt jockey James Bowen was deputising for an injured Nico de Boinville and simply nudged Marie Donnelly’s four-year-old Sir Gino into top gear with a breathtaking acceleration. They soared 10 lengths clear of the Gredley family’s previously unbeaten hurdler Burdett Road to land the Grade Two JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle in impressive style.

Jennifer Donald
Jennifer Donald
Showjumping and racing editor

Jennifer is passionate at showjumping and her role as H&H’s showjumping editor has taken her around the world reporting from shows and interviewing riders, connections and those involved behind the scenes. Since joining H&H from BBC Sport in 2005, she has written on every subject across the equestrian sphere — from turnout rugs to stable management — and has interviewed gold medallists, world champions and winners galore. She also has first-hand experience of working in the equestrian industry as a riding instructor and yard manager.