Latest from Horse & Hound in Nicky-henderson

Time called on Constitution Hill’s hurdles career – but fans will see him parade at the Cheltenham Festival

Lucy Elder — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:27:24 +0000

Constitution Hill has been withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle and will start the “next chapter” of his career.

Trainer Nicky Henderson announced the end of the racing star’s jumps career today (25 February), with his future runs expected to be on the Flat.

Although the horse will not be racing at next month’s Cheltenham Festival (10 to 13 March), he will make an appearance “to give all his National Hunt supporters the chance to say goodbye”.

Constitution Hill, owned by Michael Buckey, won his first 10 starts under Rules including the 2023 Champion Hurdle. But three falls from four starts over hurdles prompted a change of tactics.

The nine-year-old headed to Southwell on Friday (20 February), where he made a scintillating Flat debut on the all-weather with Oisin Murphy in the saddle. The big question since has been whether connections would target a reclamation of the Unibet Champion Hurdle at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival, or if Constitution Hill would switch codes.

Mr Henderson said today that he and Mr Buckley have “spent a lot of time soul-searching and thinking” about the horse’s future, and have concluded that “he will not be running in the Unibet Champion Hurdle”.

“Last Friday night was for us all a magical occasion and we so appreciated his popularity and the love and admiration everybody showed to Conrad, as he is fondly called here. It was a terrific night for him, us, and I believe British horse racing.”

Mr Henderson added that he and Mr Buckley did not feel it would be fair to ask the horse and his regular jockey Nico de Boinville to race again over hurdles.

“He showed on Friday night that he has another career in front of him that could possibly take us all to new playing fields.

“I would like to thank the thousands of Constitution Hill’s supporters and admirers that have shared their sentiments with us and advice on how we should proceed, and I would have to say the poll was as near 50/50 as you could get.”

He added: “This is a sad day for a lot of us, particularly the National Hunt fraternity that would have liked to have seen Constitution Hill try to regain his crown and sad for all here especially Nico, who has spent so much time trying to iron out our jumping issues.

“However he leaves the jumping world sound and happy and ready for the next chapter. It has been a staggering journey so far and Michael has had to endure some dark days but of course enjoyed the enormous highs and thrills of an extraordinary horse.”

Constitution Hill will parade at Cheltenham racecourse on Champion Hurdle day (Tuesday, 10 March).

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

How to watch Cheltenham Festival 2026 live from anywhere in the world on Gold Cup Day

2PD5HYC Constitution Hill ridden by jockey Nico de Boinville clear a fence on their way to winning the Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy on day one of the Cheltenham Festival at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Tuesday March 14, 2023. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘An absolute superstar’: Constitution Hill blitzes his Champion Hurdle rivals at the Cheltenham Festival

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Remaining Cheltenham Festival 2026 ticket options now that Gold Cup Day has sold out

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Meet Willie Mullins’ key Cheltenham Festival 2026 contenders: ‘This horse still has the ability to win the Gold Cup’

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

‘There’s every chance he could make a good recovery’: star hurdler Sir Gino receiving top-class care after injury

Carol Phillips — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:53:45 +0000

Top hurdler Sir Gino has a fractured pelvis, it has been confirmed after he was pulled up by his jockey Nico de Boinville in the Unibet Hurdle during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham racecourse on Saturday (24 January).

The star six-year-old, who was previously unbeaten in seven hurdle races, walked into the horse ambulance and was taken to Three Counties Veterinary Clinic for scans.

His trainer Nicky Henderson described Sir Gino as “comfortable and stable” on Saturday evening.

He said: “Sir Gino was transferred from Cheltenham to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic and following scans and X-rays he 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.

“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. Thank you.”

He added that Sir Gino has been ruled out for the rest of this season.

Mr Henderson told the Racing Post: “There are two fractured lines, but he’s comfortable and he’ll stay [at Three Counties Veterinary Clinic] for a few days, then he’ll come back to Lambourn.

“There’s every chance he could make a good recovery, but the poor boy spent most of last year in hospital, and he’s going to spend most of it there this year as well. Everyone is doing everything they possibly can.”

Sir Gino had been a key contender for the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The Seven Barrows star had only recently returned after a long lay-off from an infection, which cut short last season’s campaign.

To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘It will take a nice one to beat her’: experts share their day three Cheltenham Festival racing tips

Jennifer Donald — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:20:22 +0000

The four-day 2025 Cheltenham Festival has reached the halfway point, with a dramatic first day (11 March) when first and second favourites for the Champion Hurdle, Constitution Hill and State Man, crashed out, and an emotional day yesterday, we turn our attentions to day three.

Here we bring you our Cheltenham Festival tips from horse racing experts who have shared their knowledge to help you navigate the seven races on the card today – and for tomorrow’s action too. Maybe you’ll pick a winner or two during this year’s jump racing extravaganza?

But whether you win or lose or you are simply happy to enjoy the spectacle, the Cheltenham Festival is a sporting event like no other. It is important that you gamble responsibly and you can read more advice on how to bet here. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Cheltenham Festival tips

Get £10 in FREE bets
Want to place a bet at Cheltenham Festival? Sign up to Betway and receive a £10 welcome bet.View Deal

Cheltenham Festival day three tips, and more…

Day three tips: Thursday 13 March

Sixandahalf in the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “This syndicate-owned five-year-old switched from the Flat and was an impressive winner at Fairyhouse on her hurdling debut in January. Her trainer says it will take a nice one to beat her.”

Jungle Boogie in the Ryanair Chase (3.20pm)

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead | Jockey: TBC

ITV Racing pundit Ruby Walsh says: “My outsider is Jungle Boogie. He is trained by Henry de Bromhead and is beginning to fulfill the potential he showed as a youngster.”

Day four tips: Friday 14 March

Gibbs Island in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Tom Lacey | Jockey: Stan Sheppard

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “At a decent price, Gibbs Island is worth an each-way bet. He has more speed in his pedigree than many of his rivals and is unbeaten in two starts for Tom Lacey.”

Hello Neighbour in the JCB Triumph Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: Keith Donoghue

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “An improving four-year-old who will have to get past smart British contenders East India Dock and Lulamba, but jockey Keith Donoghue says he’s the horse he’s most looking forward to riding at this year’s Cheltenham Festival. The fitting of a hood seemed to help the exuberant youngster settle better last time out and he powered home to win a Grade One at the Dublin Racing Festival. A very likeable, classy ex-Flat horse who could be very smart indeed.”

Galopin Des Champs in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

ITV pundit Ruby Walsh says confidently of the second of his Cheltenham Festival tips: “Galopin des Champs will win the Boodles Gold Cup on Friday. He’s the best we’ve seen for a while and he’ll enter the history books by making it three in a row.”

Corbetts Cross in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Emmet Mullins | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “It’s impossible to oppose Galopin Des Champs but he will be a very short price and Corbetts Cross each-way could be a good bet.”

Inothewayurthinkin in the Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (4pm)

Trainer: Gavin Cromwell | Jockey: TBC

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “Last year’s Kim Muir scorer has been feeling his way in open company this season. Interesting his connections added him back into the Gold Cup field and he’s a decent alternative to the favourite.”

Cheltenham Festival tips and how our expert tippers fared in 2025

Day one tips: Tuesday 11 March

Kopek Des Bordes in the Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

ITV Racing is on air 12.45-5pm every day of the Cheltenham Festival and ITV commentator Richard Hoiles says: “This is the horse I am most looking forward to at the Festival and he lines up in the opening race. He looked a potential superstar when winning in Ireland last time and hopefully he can prove the point and get punters off to a good start.”

Racing journalist Carl Evans agrees: “Willie Mullins is likely to train plenty of winners over the four days and, while his Kopek Des Bordes is a short price in the opening race, it’s good to beat the bookies in round one.”

Kopek Des Bordes result: winner

Joyeuse in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)

Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A really impressive winner of Newbury’s big handicap hurdle last month and Nicky Henderson clearly feels she is on the upgrade to pitch her in against the best mares. A nice one at the prices.”

Joyeuse result: sixth

Take No Chances in the Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle (3.20pm)

Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Harry Skelton

H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “She’s up against mega mare Lossiemouth but could run well at a big price. I’ve loved her attitude in some tight finishes this season and she has proved she stays much further than this 2m 4f, so she will hopefully be staying on gamely up the Cheltenham hill.”

Take No Chances result: third

Constitution Hill in the Unibet Champion Hurdle (4pm)

Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville

ITV Racing’s lead presenter Ed Chamberlin has nominated the 2023 champion as his cert of the meeting in the Unibet Champion Hurdle, the highlight of Tuesday’s card. “He’s a generational talent and looks back to his best,” he says.

Constitution Hill result: fell

Murcia in the Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle (registered as the Fred Winter) (4.40pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Ed Chamberlin also picks out a longer shot from Tuesday’s action, saying: “She’s in the Honeysuckle silks and may not have her talent but she does look better than her handicap mark.”

Murcia result: eighth

Day two tips: Wednesday 12 March

The Yellow Clay in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Gordon Elliott | Jockey: Jack Kennedy

Leading the second day’s Cheltenham Festival tips, H&H racing editor Jennifer Donald says: “I can’t wait for this 2m 5f contest packed full of young superstars this year. I think The New Lion could well take it for the Skeltons and new owner JP McManus, while you can forgive Grade One winner Potters Charm his defeat last time out, for which there are plenty of excuses. But unbeaten Irish raider The Yellow Clay is very exciting, has proved himself in some real scraps and seems to be on an upward curve.”

The Yellow Clay result: second

Sixmilebridge in the Turners Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm)

Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Jockey: Kielan Woods

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Beat a smart horse when winning at Cheltenham in January and might surprise some shorter-priced runners.”

Sixmilebridge result: ninth

Ballyburn in the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase (2pm)

Trainer: Willie Mullins | Jockey: Paul Townend

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Steps up in trip for this race and that is likely to suit him.”

Ballyburn result: fifth

Latenightpass in the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase (3.20pm)

Trainer: Tom Ellis | Jockey: Gina Andrews

Racing journalist Carl Evans says: “Although only third to Stumptown over the course and distance in December, Latenightpass is now better off at the weights and is very good over these rare obstacles.”

Latenightpass result: second

Jazzy Matty in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Challenge Cup (4.40pm)

Trainer: Cian Collins | Jockey: Danny Gilligan

Racing journalist Tom Peacock says: “A winner here over hurdles who had a useful sighter over fences earlier in the season. Represents a new and shrewd, young trainer in Cian Collins, who will be keen to make his mark.”

Jazzy Matty result: winner

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

(Image credit: Getty Images)

A beginner’s guide to betting

If you fancy having a flutter on a horse race but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘Dreadful news’: most expensive jumps horse bought at public auction to miss Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:29:22 +0000

Palladium, a horse who entered the history books when becoming the most expensive jumps’ racehorse to be sold at public auction, will not run as intended at this week’s Cheltenham Festival.

The four-year-old, who won the German Derby last year, was purchased by Lady Bamford for €1.4m (£1.17m) at the Arqana Arc Sale in October 2024. Now in training with Nicky Henderson, he went on to win on his hurdles debut at Huntingdon in January.

Nicky confirmed today that Palladium will not run in Friday’s Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle as planned after getting cast in his stable.

Nicky said: “We have had quite a blow this morning when it appears that Palladium had got cast overnight and is quite sore this morning and we really can’t see how he can be fit to run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

“This is dreadful news and an unfair shock for the Bamford family as we seriously thought we had an outstanding chance on Friday.”

Palladium was a 10/1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle. It is hoped he will recover and will likely resume his Flat career, with Royal Ascot a potential target in June.

“We are confident he will soon be able to resume training, but he will require a few easy days,” continued Nicky. “He would be back in time for Aintree, but I think in all probability he will now return to his Flat career.

“He is a very good looking and talented young horse with a great temperament and he has a really bright future under both codes.”

Nicky’s remaining runner in the Triumph is Lulamba, who is currently second favourite behind the James Owen-trained East India Dock.

To stay up to date with all the news from the Cheltenham Festival, plus breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

2S8NPGY Palladium ridden by Nico de Boinville on their way to winning the Pertemps Network Maiden Hurdle at Huntingdon Racecourse, Brampton, Huntingdon. Picture date: Thursday January 23, 2025. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘A certain amount of relief’: world’s most expensive jumps racehorse makes British debut

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Cheltenham Festival is next stop for Gredley family’s home-bred star East India Dock

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘Give me a pinch and make sure this isn’t a dream!’: shock result in Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 19:02:30 +0000

A dramatic Unibet Champion Hurdle unfolded on the opening day of the 2025 Cheltenham Festival as two former winners fell and a 25/1 shot ran on triumph.

Palpable shock rippled through the crowd when odds-on favourite and trainer Nicky Henderson’s stable star, Constitution Hill, who won in 2023, fell at the fifth flight. Both he and jockey Nico De Boinville were reported to be ok afterwards, but the outcome brought his unbeaten run of 10 under Rules to an end.

Last year’s winner, State Man, appeared to have the contest at his mercy, until a final flight fall when five lengths clear put paid to his chances. This left Ian Gosden’s Golden Ace with the lead and the seven-year-old by Golden Horn, ridden by Lorcan Williams, became just the seventh mare to win the race since it was first run in 1927.

Winning trainer Jeremy Scott said: “I think my team at home will be as flabbergasted as I am – they’ll be watching it at home now and they’ll definitely be reaching for the drinks’ cabinet.

“My wife, Camilla, and our family are all involved. Camilla does a lot of the work at home – she has the patience of a saint and she’s the genius, rather than me.

“Lorcan is part of the team and we work really well together. He’s just such a good horseman and he’s a good mate, so it’s really nice to do this.

“Give me a pinch and make sure this isn’t a dream! I couldn’t even dream it – for God’s sake, thump me, because I must be fast asleep at the moment!”

Lorcan Williams admitted his ride wasn’t travelling as well as he would have hoped in the latter part of the race when things started unravelling in front of him.

“Literally, I cannot believe it,” he said. “I was thinking that we could do with a bit further, then I thought, ‘We’re staying on well for second’, and things happened started to happen. I’m absolutely thrilled for the Jeremy Scott team; it’s a massive team effort to come here and I’m lost for words as to what a pleasure it is to get it done.

“Nothing compares to how I am feeling now. I hope this day will never end. I’m shell shocked.”

The James Owen-trained Burdett Road finished runner-up at odds 66/1 under Sam Twiston-Davies for the Gredley Family, while the Willie Mullins-trained 150/1 shot Winter Fog was third under Brian Hayes for The Triple Lock Partnership.

How are the Champion Hurdle fallers?

Few race fans would have predicted that Constitution Hill and State Man would fall in Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the Festival, but both were reported by their trainers to be fine after the race.

Nicky Henderson said: “[Constitution Hill] seems fine. He is very bright and breezy, but of course he hasn’t had a race. I don’t know what can you say. He ran two miles, even if he didn’t have Nico on at the end.

“He has been in terrific form I have got to say, but when you are jumping as fast as they jump, you have got to get it deadly accurate.”

Constitution Hill may now head to Punchestown Festival in May for the Boodles Champion Hurdle.

Willie Mullins, trainer of State Man, said: “He was just long at it and popped the top of it, but these things happen. I’m just delighted he is okay.”

Cheltenham Festival day one results

1.20pm: Michael O’Sullivan Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

1st: Kopek Des Bordes, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend

2nd: William Munny

3rd: Romeo Coolio

2pm: My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

1st: Jango Baie, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico De Boinville

2nd: Only By Night

3rd: Majborough

2.40pm: Ultima Handicap Chase

1st: Myretown, trained by Lucinda Russell and ridden by Patrick Wadge

2nd: The Changing Man

3rd: Malina Girl

3.20pm: Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle

1st: Lossiemouth, trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by Paul Townend

2nd: Jade De Grugy

3rd: Take No Chances

4pm: Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

1st: Golden Ace, trained by Jeremy Scott and ridden by Lorcan Williams

2nd: Burdett Road

3rd: Winter Fog

4.40pm: Hallgarten And Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

1st: Puturhandstogether, trained by Joseph O’Brien and ridden by Mark Walsh

2nd: Robbies Rock

3rd: Liam Swagger

5.20pm: Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase

1st: Haiti Couleurs, trained by Rebecca Curtis and ridden by Ben Jones

2nd: Rock My Way

3rd: Will Do

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from the Cheltenham Festival, as well as major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Trainer Nicky Henderson on pre-Cheltenham bombshells, rivalry with Willie Mullins, his love for Sprinter Sacre and chasing that elusive Grand National win

Jennifer Donald — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 16:30:02 +0000

With the Cheltenham Festival (11-14 March) just days away, six-time champion National Hunt racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson admits he and the team at Seven Barrows are now box-walking in anticipation.

Speaking on episode 162 of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored by a new campaign from British racing called HorsePWR, Nicky firstly reflects on the “bombshell” of “bright spark” Sir Gino’s injury in the run-up to this year’s Festival, before looking back fondly to his first ever Festival winner, which came with the quirky hurdler See You Then exactly 40 years ago.

“We started in 1978 and our first Cheltenham winner came in 1985,” says Nicky. “The Champion Hurdle has been a very lucky race for us; we’re on nine at the moment.

“It’s going to be a mighty invasion,” he says of going up against the strong squad of Irish runners at the Festival again this year. “So we need a lot of public support for a start. But we’ve had a few skirmishes with Willie Mullins’ horses since Christmas and it has come out in our favour. I suspect he won’t have taken that lying down and he’ll have them even more tuned up as a result!”

Racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson on all-time great Sprinter Sacre

Jonbon, Constitution Hill and Lulamba are among the superstar horses heading to this year’s Cheltenham Festival, following in the hoofprints of so many racing greats to have come out of Seven Barrows. Among the likes of Remittance Man, Binocular and Altior, it’s Sprinter Sacre that stands out, says Nicky.

“In the first half of his career Sprinter Sacre was unbeatable,” says Nicky. “Then he got ill and he had this heart problem, he was out for 18 months. But he came back, it was last chance saloon, and he won the Shloer Chase and came back and won another Champion Chase at Cheltenham. It was a great day for British racing, the atmosphere that day was just amazing. It’s very special when the crowd appreciates these great warriors. The horses really are the main ingredient.”

Chasing the Grand National dream

Having won nearly every major prize in the sport during his glittering career, Nicky Henderson admits the Grand National is the dream he’s still chasing.

“We actually finished second in it the first year and thought it was going to be easy,” says Nicky. “There’s no point going there and running very good races though, you’ve got to win it.”

To hear more about Nicky Henderson’s insight on his many top horses, how his role has changed over the past 50 years and some remarkable comebacks, listen here to episode 162 of The Horse & Hound Podcast – or search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your favourite podcast app.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

The Horse & Hound Podcast 162: multiple champion trainer Nicky Henderson

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:45:09 +0000

On our 162nd episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored by a new campaign from British racing called HorsePWR, we speak to six-time champion jumps racing trainer, Nicky Henderson. He reflects on his greatest moments on the racecourse, plus his favourite horses and he talks about what he has learnt during 30 years as a trainer. We hope you enjoy listening.

Episode 162, of our popular audio service The Horse & Hound Podcast, which is sponsored by a new campaign from British racing called HorsePWR, is now live.

Each episode is available for H&H fans to listen to via your favourite podcast app, as well as here on the website. Search for “The Horse & Hound Podcast” in your preferred podcast app and click subscribe to be notified about each new episode.

View all episodes of The Horse & Hound Podcast

On our 162nd episode of The Horse & Hound Podcast, we speak to six-time champion jumps racing trainer, Nicky Henderson ahead of the upcoming Cheltenham Festival. He reflects on his greatest moments on the racecourse, plus his favourite horses and he talks about what he has learnt during 30 years as a trainer.

“We’ve had to change with the times – there’s no point in me carrying on in the same old way we were training in 1978. You’ve got to keep your eyes and ears open, else you’ll get overtaken by everyone” – Nicky Henderson on keeping up with the times during his lengthy period as a trainer

We would love to hear your feedback on all our podcasts, so please do send your thoughts to pippa.roome@futurenet.com

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 162

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘A dreadful blow’: top horse in hospital after injury

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 14:15:34 +0000

Sir Gino, who was favourite to win the Arkle Chase on day one of next month’s Cheltenham Festival, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up a ligament infection.

The five-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, has been admitted to equine hospital as a result of the injury, which he sustained last week and meant he was declared a non-runner in Saturday’s (8 February) Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.

“Unfortunately Sir Gino’s situation has deteriorated somewhat and he has been admitted to the equine hospital,” said Mr Henderson. “An infection has invaded the ligaments in his near hind leg. This will require lengthy treatment that will sadly rule him out of any further racing this season.

“This is a dreadful blow to Joe and Marie Donnelly and everybody at Seven Barrows but we will be doing everything possible to help this incredible bright light back to full fitness next season.”

It is the second successive Festival Sir Gino has missed after being pulled out of last year’s Triumph Hurdle as health issues plagued Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard.

After a seriously impressive chase debut when he beat Ballyburn to win the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas, Sir Gino was made favourite for the Arkle. That victory added to his unbeaten record of six victories, including the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle last November when deputising for stable mate Constitution Hill.

Despite missing his intended Cheltenham prep-run at Newbury over the weekend, Sir Gino was as short as 8/11 in the betting for the Arkle, but in his absence, the Willie Mullins-trained Majborough now heads the betting at a general 8/13, with L’Eau Du Sud 5/1 second favourite.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Alamy Live News. 2WEWWGW Sir Gino ridden by jockey James Bowen on their way to winning the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle during the Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse. Picture date: Saturday January 27, 2024. This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check. (Image credit: Alamy Live News)

12 things you need to know about exciting racing star Sir Gino ahead of the Cheltenham Festival

(Image credit: Alamy Live News)

‘A certain amount of relief’: world’s most expensive jumps racehorse makes British debut

(Image credit: Alamy Live News)

Davy Russell: ‘Nicky Henderson gets so much stick, but he lets his horses do the talking’

(Image credit: Alamy Live News)

Constitution Hill is back! Wonder horse extends unbeaten record as he makes history 365 days after his last appearance

(Image credit: Alamy Live News)

‘A certain amount of relief’: world’s most expensive jumps racehorse makes British debut

Jennifer Donald — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 13:00:07 +0000

Palladium, the world’s most expensive jumps racehorse ever sold at public auction, made a winning debut over hurdles at Huntingdon on Thursday (23 January) with Nico de Boinville riding.

“There is obviously a certain amount of relief,” said trainer Nicky Henderson of Lady Bamford’s €1.4m (£1.17m) purchase.

World’s most expensive jumps racehorse arrives in Britain

The four-year-old son of Gleneagles was bred in Germany and raced on the Flat there, winning the German Derby at Hamburg last July.

The colt was then sold for the record auction price at the Arqana Arc Sale in France in October and now races in the colours of Lady Bamford, wife of JCB Chairman Lord Bamford.

He was sent off as red hot favourite for his British debut in the two mile Pertemps Network Maidan Hurdle at Huntingdon and travelled just behind the leaders until being sent to the front three flights from home by Nico de Boinville.

The Ben Pauling-trained 50/1 shot Wolf Moon gave Palladium a good run for his money, but finished two lengths adrift of the Seven Barrows runner at the finishing post.

Nicky Henderson has indicated that a return to the Flat was Palladium’s main aim for 2025, with the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot a likely target, but a future racecourse engagement could be the Cheltenham Festival in March where he is entered for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

“There is obviously a certain amount of relief,” said the trainer after Palladium’s British racecourse debut.

“You couldn’t find a nicer colt in the world – he has such a good temperament. When we started with him it was obvious he has a great attitude to life, which makes a big difference. He is basically going to go Flat racing but his attitude to jumping is so good and he enjoys it.

“He enjoyed it today and is a really likeable colt,” added Nicky. “He is the only colt we have at home and one is always conscious they want quite a bit more work than geldings do.”

Palladium: “His jumping was positive and I thought he was great”

A nervous Nicky revealed that Palladium “certainly wasn’t 100% fit” yet.

“We gave him a nice break after he came to us and Nico said there is a lot of improvement to come after today,” he reported. “We had done lots of schooling with him but very little galloping and he has had a blow.

“I was delighted – his jumping was positive and I thought he was great,” he continued. “Ground-wise, I think he wants to get his toe in to a degree and wouldn’t want it very quick.

“He will have learnt a hell of a lot today.”

Trainer Nicky Henderson could be bidding for a record eighth victory in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and he already has the favourite for this year’s race in Lulamba.

“Having got this far, we might as well look at the Triumph Hurdle,” he said. “The take of Nico and I is that another run would do him good, which almost certainly means the Adonis at Kempton [on Saturday 22 February] is the obvious place to go.

“If he and Lulamba have to run against each other at some point then they will have to, but we are keeping all options open.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Jonbon: everything you need to know about this key Cheltenham Festival contender

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:00:40 +0000

Jonbon is one of the top chasers in National Hunt (jump) racing at the moment. Here, we find out a little bit more about him ahead of the Cheltenham Festival (11–14 March 2025).

1. Jonbon is a nine-year-old gelding (born on 18 April 2016).

2. He is owned by JP McManus, who is a prolific owner in the world of horseracing and his horses run in the easily recognisable green and gold colours.

3. He was bred by Lofti Kohli in France.

4. Jonbon is by Walk In The Park and out of the mare Star Face (by Saint Des Saints), who is also the mother of Douvan, who was a multiple Grade One-winning National Hunt horses, earning £609,835 during his career when trained by Willie Mullins.

5. Jonbon made headlines when he set a new auction record at the time, selling for a whopping £570,000 at the Goffs Yorton Sale on 12 November 2021.

6. He is trained by top British trainer Nicky Henderson.

7. Jonbon’s form is impressive – he has won 17 of his 20 starts under Rules and finished second on the other three occasions. He also won his sole point-to-point in Ireland prior to his sale.

8. He has amassed over £1.113m in prize money to-date.

9. He has won nine Grade One races, and specialises running in two-mile chases.

10. He is currently the favourite to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase on the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival after his decisive Clarence House Chase success at Ascot in January 2025, where he brushed aside Willie Mullins’ Energumene.

11. He will be ridden by Nico De Boinville at Cheltenham. He was ridden by Aidan Coleman to most of his early career victories until Aidan suffered a career-ending injury.

Keep up-to-date with all of Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham coverage this week via horseandhound.co.uk, where you will be able to read all of the latest news and features surrounding The Festival.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

12 things you need to know about exciting racing star Sir Gino ahead of the Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 08:30:26 +0000

Sir Gino is a National Hunt racehorse who seemingly has the world at his feet with an unbeaten record so far. Here we find out a little bit more about this rising star, who has shown an impressive turn of speed and slick jumping over both hurdles and fences…

1. Sir Gino is a bay gelding, who was foaled on 10 April 2020.

2. He is trained by multiple champion trainer, Nicky Henderson.

3. The French-bred gelding was found by former jockey Jerry McGrath in France on behalf of Mr Henderson.

4. Sir Gino is owned by Marie Donnelly and runs in her familiar yellow and black colours, which were also carried by the likes of Grade One winner Shishkin, among others.

5. He is by the stallion It’s Gino, out of the mare Anzi Star, who is by Anzillero.

6. Jean-Paul and Marie-Odile Deshayes bred this striking gelding.

7. He has won all six of his racecourse starts to date, amassing £261,506 in prize money.

8. Sir Gino ran once in France at the start of his career, before moving to Mr Henderson’s. Since then, he has won two Grade Ones and two Grade Twos.

9. He first came to most of the public’s attention when winning the Grade Two JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle in impressive style at Cheltenham Racecourse’s Festival Trials Day on Saturday 27 January 2024. After the victory, Mr Henderson said: “He has all the attributes and he shows it to you.”

10. More recently, Sir Gino was the eight-length winner of the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November 2024.

11. Sir Gino made the transition to jumping chase fences look effortless when winning over them on his first attempt in the Grade Two Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December 2024. Mr Henderson said after this victory: “So far, he’s done nothing wrong and he’s unblemished. He’s always been a very, very talented horse and he has so much scope.”

12. Sir Gino is currently hot 8/11 favourite for the Arkle – a Grade One two-mile novices’ chase – at Cheltenham Festival in March 2025.

Do you think Sir Gino will add another win to his CV at the Cheltenham Festival? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com for a chance to be published in Horse & Hound, including your name, nearest town and county. Letters may be edited for clarity and length
To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Davy Russell: ‘Nicky Henderson gets so much stick, but he lets his horses do the talking’

Davy Russell — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 10:35:33 +0000

Former Irish champion jockey Davy Russell salutes top National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson for letting his horses do the talking in a sport where patience is key

This year’s Christmas racing was unreal. Whether you’re a diehard fan or someone new to the game, what we all witnessed was very special.

A standout moment was mighty hurdler Constitution Hill returning from a year off to win the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, beating Willie Mullins’ Festival-winning mare Lossiemouth.

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Nicky Henderson pulled off such a remarkable training performance. He’s done it so many times in the past with the likes of his three-time Champion Hurdle winner See You Then, who raced sparingly owing to tendon problems and won the Champion Hurdle off one run.

Then more recently, there was Sprinter Sacre, who won the Champion Chase after an absence of nearly three months.

Nicky has received so much stick in the press and on social media about not running his horses. You’ll remember Henrietta Knight faced a similar barrage with her triple Gold Cup-winner Best Mate, with people complaining she didn’t run him enough.

But why would Nicky run Constitution Hill if he wasn’t right? Once again, Nicky let his horses do the talking and he was proved right in his decision not to run until Kempton. The result underlined why patience is so important in our sport.

Irish excitement

There was a real buzz at Kempton that day and it was the same at Leopardstown, when dual Gold Cup-winner Galopin Des Champs cast aside the superstar young pretender Fact To File to win his 10th Grade One. The champion once again proved he’s no fluke.

Brighterdaysahead is another for the Irish to get excited about and her 30-length victory in the Grade One Neville Hotels Hurdle was sensational. You’d have a soft spot for the mare because she’s so mannered and she’s actually very unassuming at home. But when you realise what’s under the hood, she’s something different.

She’s been looked after by the same people from the start, Sinead O’Brien and Shane McCann. I rode her as a young horse and I loved her. She was special, but she was so green and you wouldn’t realise how fast she is until you had another horse to take her a good gallop. I’ve never known a horse who can go so fast for such a long time.

Another Nicky Henderson runner, Sir Gino, put up a performance the likes of which I don’t think we’ve seen in my generation at least. He was a super sub in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and to win an unplanned Grade One over hurdles meant he had to be a special horse, but the way he took on his fences at Kempton was a real sight.

All in all, there’s plenty of strength and depth on both sides of the Irish Sea, more than we’ve seen for a long time, and the scales seem to be balancing themselves out. There will be a lot of fellas with their chests out heading to the Cheltenham Festival and it’s very exciting for the sport.

It’s time to take a chance

This year’s sales were pretty healthy and anything fancy is making a bit of money. But what I’ve noticed is that people aren’t willing to take a chance on anything slightly out of the norm. Unless it’s down on paper for all to see – either by a horse doing something extraordinary on the track or having a standout pedigree that suggests they could be a bit special – buyers don’t want to know. Even the syndicates have got fussier.

But this sport is not an exact science and I’m sure that in a couple of years, there will be stories from buyers about how much value they got. Just look at the 18hh Jeannot Lapin, who won at Leopardstown at odds of 150/1, having been bought for £3,000 as a hunter chaser. Although the horse was well bred and had reasonable form, there you have someone going against the grain and Dominic Jones, who took a chance buying him, is reaping the rewards.

Those horses are there if you’re lucky enough and willing to have a go.

● Why should we see our racing superstars on the racecourse more often? Write to us at hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, for the chance for your letter to appear in a forthcoming issue of the magazine

To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major events throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

Constitution Hill is back! Wonder horse extends unbeaten record as he makes history 365 days after his last appearance

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:05:00 +0000

It is exactly a year to the day since we last saw the incredible Constitution Hill line up to continue to show us what he’s made of on a racecourse. That was when he won the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day.

And today, a whole 365 days later, we were once again treated to a display of his indomitable talent and will to win, when he took a record-breaking third Christmas Hurdle.

Constitution Hill, a seven-year-old owned by Michael Buckley, has been plagued with issues over the past 12 months. From ground concerns, a respiratory problem and then suspected colic, and, more recently, being a no-show in the Fighting Fifth following a very below par racecourse gallop at Newbury last month meant that prior to today he had only run five times over the past two years. It’s fair to say that he had his doubters in their droves that he would ever return to previous form, which includes seven Grade One victories, one of those being the 2023 Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

But trainer Nicky Henderson silenced all of those doubters today when Constitution Hill swaggered to a comfortable victory in the Christmas Hurdle under Nico De Boinville – and the packed Kempton crowd reacted accordingly, knowing they had just witnessed one of horseracing’s all-time greats in action. His form figures under Rules now read nine from nine and he has over £800,ooo-worth of prize money to his name to boot.

“He felt fantastic – there’s still a bit of ring rustiness and he will improve for it. All the credit goes to the guv’nor,” said Nico, referring to Mr Henderson. “I’ve been very confident about him and he was back in business after a piece of work a fortnight ago.”

Mr Henderson said he intends to run Constitution Hill again before the Cheltenham Festival.

“Everybody has done all their parts in the jigsaw and it is a big squad – it’s been entertaining getting him back. There’s been a lot of things we’ve done differently – some of it’s gone well and others a bit of a struggle,” he explained. “The last three weeks have been very, very good – I’ve never seen him look better. We were unfortunate to miss the Fighting Fifth but at least we had one on the subs’ bench [referring to Sir Gino, who won for the yard].

“I’d love to run him again [before the Champion Hurdle] but if he says no, we’ll have to go straight there.

“It is great to see a crowd like this here today that appreciate good horses and that is what racing is all about.”

Prior to today’s Christmas Hurdle, the Willie Mullins trained Lossiemouth was the one to watch for many, and with her 7lb mares’ allowance, went off a close second favourite behind Constitution Hill. But she ultimately finished 2½ down in second under Paul Townend, who then went on to win the King George VI Chase 35 minutes later.

“It was disappointing,” said Paul of Lossiemouth’s run. “We were struggling way too early and I don’t know why. She ran okay, but we weren’t good enough on the day.

“You would always like to take them on again, but I’d like to find out why we underperformed here today first.”

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

‘We have a problem’: Constitution Hill’s planned reappearance ‘unlikely’ says trainer

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 17:59:04 +0000

National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson has revealed that Constitution Hill is lame so the 2023 Champion Hurdle victor is “unlikely” to make his seasonal reappearance in the BetMGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle next Saturday (30 November).

“I’m afraid I have to report that we have a problem with Constitution Hill,” Mr Henderson said. “He’s currently lame.”

The announcement comes after the seven-year-old, owned by Michael Buckely, took part in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning and was unable to quicken to match stable companion Sir Gino under the urges of Nico de Boinville.

“This wasn’t immediately apparent after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, but for the last 48 hours he has been sore but for what reason we are still unaware,” said Mr Henderson. “I’m currently investigating.

“This, as I’m sure everybody will appreciate, is a tragic problem for us. We have to report where we are and he is still under investigation.

“We’re trying to find the reason for it, which is not apparent, and we will keep everybody posted, but at this stage, you’d have to say he is unlikely to make next Saturday at Newcastle.”

Constitution Hill was last seen winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park last December. This was followed by a curtailed season owing to ground concerns, a respiratory problem and then suspected colic, so the gelding, who is unbeaten under Rules, has only run five times over the past two years.

“I have to confirm to everybody this is not a retirement call – he is not – he was bright and breezy after his gallop but we have this issue,” said Mr Henderson.

To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also like to read…

CONSTITUTION HILL ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the SKY BET SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE (GRADE 1) at CHELTENHAM 15/3/22Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography 0771 046 1723 (Image credit: Grossick Racing)

Stable star home safe from hospital after ‘traumatic few days’

(Image credit: Grossick Racing)

‘We have a problem’: Constitution Hill in doubt for Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival

‘We are going to have to admit defeat’: Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

(Image credit: Grossick Racing)

‘He eats, sleeps, works and goes back to bed’: meet the ‘laid-back’ racehorse set to light up Cheltenham

(Image credit: Grossick Racing)

As laid-back as they come: watch Cheltenham Festival winner being ridden by small child

(Image credit: Grossick Racing)

‘The grit and the glory’: new series to show racing as never before

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 11:15:32 +0000

Champions: Full Gallop, a new six-part documentary series showing jockeys “as you have never seen them before”, comes to TV screens tomorrow (19 July) at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Going behind the scenes with jockeys, trainers, owners and horses as they compete in the 2023-24 jumps season, the series features contributions from key players including trainers Paul Nicholls, Nicky Henderson, Willie Mullins and Dan Skelton and jockeys such as Harry Cobden, Sean Bowen, Harry Skelton and Bryony Frost at key meetings including the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals.

The series takes in all the elements that make racing such a compelling sport, from charismatic owners to the trainers and stable staff who invest so much in the welfare of their horses.

Produced by South Shore, supported by Flutter and Racecourse Media Group (RMG), the series has been given access to all areas from weighing rooms to stable yards as viewers are invited to follow the thrills, emotion and drama both on and off the racetrack.

The first episode will chart the build-up to and outcome of the King George VI at Kempton on Boxing Day as the programme attempts to follow the success of other sports documentaries, such as F1’s Drive To Survive and tennis’ Break Point.

At the Champions: Full Gallop premier from left to right: Harry Skelton, Bryony Frost, Nico de Boinville, England footballing legend Peter Crouch, Harry Cobden, Gavin Sheehan and Sean Bowen. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

RMG chief executive Martin Stevenson this week described the launch of the docuseries as a “huge opportunity” for racing.

He said: “The question is how can we build on this. I hope everybody will love it and we can talk about the next series. The way these things work best is to build them over a number of series and to really draw people into the stories so it becomes one of the ways they enjoy the sport.

“We want people at home to be able to engage with racing and to see it in a different way, to get a glimpse behind the scenes and experience the grit and the glory.

“We hope to ultimately widen the sport’s fanbase. Racing is clearly facing some challenges, but it still has a huge audience and if we can get a decent fraction of the people who enjoy jump racing engaged then we’ve succeeded.”

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: PA)

Gold Cup-winning retired racehorse to take on showjumping challenge

(Image credit: PA)

Horse & Hound’s 140th anniversary legends: Desert Orchid – ‘Everybody thought I’d gone mad when I sent him to the King George’

(Image credit: PA)

An Irish trainer wins British jumps title for first time in 70 years as champions crowned

(Image credit: PA)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the Paris Olympics, Royal International, Burghley and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘A great horse, friend and warrior has gone’: sad farewell to top horse after stable accident

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:40:47 +0000

Top National Hunt horse Shishkin has been put down following an accident.

The dual Cheltenham Festival winner, who was trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Joe and Marie Donnelly, fractured a hind leg after becoming cast in his stable on Sunday evening (28 April).

Mr Henderson said: “Tragically we’ve lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg. Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon [Lee, Shishkin’s groom], Nico [de Boinville, Shishkin’s jockey] and George [Daly, Mr Henderson’s assistant] are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend and warrior has gone.”

Shishkin won 14 races from 21 starts, earning £798,668, with his career highlights including victories in the 2022 Clarence House Chase at Ascot, the 2021 Arkle at Cheltenham Festival, the 2020 supreme novices’ hurdle, also at Cheltenham Festival, and the 2023 Ascot Chase. The 10-year-old was due to have a tilt in the Punchestown Gold Cup in Ireland on Wednesday.

“He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning but sadly this is now not to be,” said Mr Henderson.

“He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that – except the King George is not in it, even though we believe it should have been,” Nicky continued, referencing the fact that Nico de Boinville was unseated from Shishkin at the second last in the 2023 King George when in contention. “The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle were his Cheltenham highlights, but the battle with Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot was probably his greatest.

“This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.”

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘He never has a bad day’: behind the stable door with superstar racehorse Shishkin

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stable star home safe from hospital after ‘traumatic few days’

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 15:08:27 +0000

National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson said he is delighted to have stable star Constitution Hill home, after he was taken to hospital with suspected colic.

Michael Buckley’s seven-year-old had to be taken in for monitoring on Wednesday night (27 March), during what Mr Henderson described as a “few traumatic days”, but returned to his Lambourn home at Seven Barrows yesterday (1 April).

The six-time champion trainer, who had to declare a number of his horses as non-runners at Cheltenham last month, said it was “wonderful to have him home after what he has endured”.

“He resumed normal feed yesterday with no further ill effects and had a nice pick of grass in the welcome sunshine,” he added. “Hopefully, this is all behind him now, but I am afraid it is easy to see he had a difficult week and the reality is he is going to take some time to recover and put some weight back on again.”

Constitution Hill pic.twitter.com/O3BbnZbzfWConstitution Hill pic.twitter.com/O3BbnZbzfW— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) April 1, 2024— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) April 1, 2024

It had been hoped that Constitution Hill, who won the Champion Hurdle at the 2023 Cheltenham Festival, would be rerouted to Punchestown’s festival in Ireland (30 April–4 May), having missed the chance to defend his Champion Hurdle crown in March owing to a respiratory infection. But this proposed run is now off the cards.

“As long as he is okay, that is all that matters, but it has been a horrible few months since his great performance in the Christmas Hurdle,” Mr Henderson said. “It is time for him to have a summer holiday now and look forward to his return, hopefully in the Fighting Fifth [at Newcastle on 30 November].”

Mr Henderson was keen to express his gratitude to the many people who have supported him and Constitution Hill.

“Michael Buckley and I and all at Seven Barrows would like to thank the literally thousands of Constitution Hill supporters for all their kind messages. I would like to say they are appreciated by him, but they certainly are by all of us! I would also like to thank the vets,” he said.

You might also be interested in:

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘We’ve had to make some very tough decisions’: Nicky Henderson declares several horses non-runners at Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 12:02:04 +0000

Nicky Henderson has declared three of his horses as non-runners on Wednesday’s Cheltenham Festival card, after five of his six runners were pulled up on day one of the Festival.

The non-runners include Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase contender Jonbon and Shishkin, who was a Gold Cup hope on Friday’s card, owing to concerns over the health of his string. In a statement today (13 March), Mr Henderson said something was affecting his horses’ performance.

The statement read: “I’m afraid we’ve had to make some very tough decisions following the very disappointing performances of all bar one of our horses yesterday.

“It was there for all to see that there’s obviously something affecting nearly all our horses and consequently we have reluctantly decided that Jonbon, First Street and Kingston Pride will not run today.

“It’s impossible to identify any reason for all the disappointments and none of these three horses have given us any cause for concern and all yesterday’s runners were scoped clean post-race and I’m glad to say all are sound this morning. There will unfortunately be further non-runners on Thursday and Friday.

“I hope everybody will appreciate that we have to do this in everybody’s interests, particularly the horses’. It is very, very disappointing for everybody.”

Jingko Blue will still run in Wednesday’s Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, as will Doddiethegreat and Lucky Place in the Coral Cup (3.15).

Another shock non-runner was declared by Mr Henderson in a statement this morning in the form of Friday’s Gold Cup hopeful Shishkin.

The statement read: “Very sadly it won’t be possible for Shishkin to run in the Gold Cup on Friday. He was scoped, as have all our potential runners this week, but unfortunately he’s shown an unsatisfactory picture on which he couldn’t possibly run.

“He appears to be 100% in himself and has been working and schooling better than ever and we really were looking forward to Friday. It’s hoped that, along with all the other non-participants this week, they will be back in time for Aintree or Punchestown.”

Mr Henderson delivered further bad news for British hopes at the Cheltenham Festival, declaring Champ will be a non-runner in Thursday’s feature race, the Stayers’ Hurdle.

“Regrettably Champ has also succumbed and will not run in tomorrow’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and the equivalent race at Aintree could be on the agenda,” he said.

Sir Gino, who is Mr Henderson’s only favourite across the 28-race meeting, has drifted to 7-4 since the announcement but he has not yet been ruled out of the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Friday.

‘He’s in great order’: could State Man take the Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival?

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 13:00:40 +0000

With confirmation this week from trainer Nicky Henderson that his Unibet Champion Hurdle favourite Constitution Hill will miss this year’s Cheltenham Festival, all eyes have turned to the Willie Mullins-trained State Man, who is the new favourite for Tuesday’s feature race.

Joe and Marie Donnelly’s French-bred seven-year-old son of Doctor Dino won the County Hurdle at the Festival in 2021 and he and jockey Paul Townend came home nine lengths behind the all-conquering Constitution Hill in last year’s Champion Hurdle.

But State Man returns for this year’s race at the Cheltenham Festival with a further four Grade Ones under his belt and a wealth of experience, and his old rival’s defection hands the Closutton training maestro a golden opportunity to make amends in this year’s Champion Hurdle.

“He’s in great order,” says Willie Mullins of State Man. “I thought his performance at Christmas [in Leopardstown’s Matheson Hurdle] was huge, beating Impaire Et Passe.

“I don’t know if State Man wasn’t at his best behind Constitution Hill last year. But he’s a lot more experienced now and he’ll be very race fit. We’re just happy to have the horse in as good order as he is.”

State Man: “He jumps well and he’s so consistent at home”

Willie Mullins is a four-time winner of the Champion Hurdle, lifting the silverware with Hurricane Fly in 2011 and 2013, Faugheen in 2015 and Annie Power in 2016.

State Man has won 10 of his past 11 races, all with Paul Townend in the saddle.

“State Man certainly isn’t in the league of the pizazz of Faugheen or the speed of Hurricane Fly, but he has other things, like he jumps well and he’s so consistent at home,” says the trainer. “I don’t know if he’s better, but he’s stronger. State Man hasn’t won a Champion Hurdle yet, but he’ll have a crack this year and maybe next year.”

Could stable-mate Lossiemouth line up too?

State Man heads the Unibet Champion Hurdle betting ahead of stable-mate Lossiemouth, who is more likely to be routed to the Mares’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.

“I know a lot of people would like Lossiemouth to go down the Champion Hurdle route but I’m not even sure if there wasn’t a mares hurdle there that we’d go down that route with a five-year-old,” says Willie of the grey mare.

“Five-year-olds only win once every 35 years, and usually in a bad year. Other people say, ‘Well, very few five year-olds go for it, but I’ve seen them all over the years and the ones that matter go for it and they just can’t line up – they’re physically not strong enough. Lossiemouth will have her chance in future years to have a go at the Champion Hurdle.”

Among the other entries for the Unibet Champion Hurdle, one of racing’s Blue Riband races, are Irish Point for Gordon Elliott, Luccia for Seven Barrows and Not So Sleepy for Hughie Morrison.

‘We are going to have to admit defeat’: Constitution Hill ruled out of Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 14:24:58 +0000

Constitution Hill will not defend his Champion Hurdle crown at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old, who is unbeaten under Rules, performed under par during a racecourse gallop at Kempton Park a week ago. Tests and scopes have subsequently taken place and his trainer, Nicky Henderson, today said in a statement that he was going to “have to admit defeat in the battle to get Constitution Hill ready for the Champion Hurdle and therefore declare that he will not be running there this year”.

Constitution Hill was scoped again after light exercise on Friday and showed no signs of mucus and a reduction in neutrophil [a type of white blood cell] levels but Mr Henderson warned the star hurdler would need to show “miraculous” improvement in his repeat blood test today (4 March) if he were to run at the Festival.

But Mr Henderson said that since mucus was found in Constitution Hill’s scope last week, he has improved in himself.

“He has undoubtedly improved over the weekend and seems notably brighter than he was at the end of last week,” he said. “Unfortunately the all-important blood test shows that although the figures have also improved, they are quite a way from being satisfactory for a horse to commence serious training and to race in a week’s time.

“There are three significant markers on the blood test, all of which have come down since Thursday’s sample, but are still raised enough to indicate that he has not fully recovered from whatever was ailing him.”

Mr Henderson said “the only way to continue the improvement is not to stress him”.

Constitution Hill is owned by Michael Buckley, and Mr Henderson said “this is very sad for all of us and particularly Michael” but that it is in “everybody’s best interests that we have a fit and healthy Constitution Hill to win back his crown next year.”

In Constitution Hill’s absence, last year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up State Man now heads the betting for the race at 4-11 for trainer Willie Mullins.

Fairytale winner among Grand National entries for 2024

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 12:12:40 +0000

The Grand National entries for the 2024 race, which takes place at Aintree Racecourse on 13 April, have been announced.

Among the 94 entries is 2023 Grand National winner Corach Rambler, trained by Lucinda Russell and owned by The Ramblers.

Noble Yeats, who won in 2022 and finished fourth last year, is also engaged again as is Vanillier, the runner-up 12 months ago.

There is a 26-strong entry from Irish trainer Gordon Elliott, which beats the record total of 22 he put in the Grand National in 2019. He has won the race three times; once with Silver Birch and twice with Tiger Roll.

The total number of horses accepted to run in the Grand National has been reduced from 40 to 34 for 2024, and the final runners will be confirmed 48 hours before the race, which starts at a revised time of 4pm, moved from the later 5.15pm off time, which had been in place since 2016.

Of the 94 Grand National entries, 61 are Irish-trained, which beats the previous highest number of 54, set last year when Ireland provided 25 of the 39 runners on the day.

The deadline for trainers to enter their horses was on 6 February and the next staging post is 20 February, when the British Horseracing Authority will announce the weight that each horse will be required to carry in the race.

Grand National entries for 2024

Adamantly Chosen (IRE), seven years old, owned by the Watch This Space Syndicate and trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Ain’t That A Shame (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Robcour, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Amirite (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick Hale, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Angels Dawn (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Alfred Sweetnam, trained by S. Curling (Ireland).

Annual Invictus (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Thomas Michael Smith, trained by Chris Gordon.

Ashtown Lad (IRE), 10 year sold, owned by Darren & Annaley Yates, trained by Dan Skelton.

Ash Tree Meadow (FR), eight years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Asterion Forlonge (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mrs J. Donnelly, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Battleoverdoyen (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Bronn (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Busselton (FR), seven years old, owned by Mr Michael Hilary Burke, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Capodanno (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Celebre d’Allen (FR), 12 years old, owned by Mr Allan Stennett, trained by Philip Hobbs & Johnson White.

Cepage (FR), 12 years old, owned by The Bellamy Partnership, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chambard (FR), 12 years old, owned by David & Carol Shaw, trained by Venetia Williams.

Chemical Energy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Classic Getaway (IRE), eight years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Coko Beach (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Conflated (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Corach Rambler (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Ramblers, trained by Lucinda Russell.

Delta Work (FR), 11 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Desertmore House (IRE), nine years old, owned by O.B.P Carroll/Anthony Vaughan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Diol Ker (FR), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dunboyne (IRE), nine years old, owned by S.P O’Connor, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Dusart (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bartlett & Carthy, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Eklat de Rire (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr P. Davies, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Eldorado Allen (FR), 10 years old, owned by J P Romans & Terry Warner, trained by Joe Tizzard.

Embittered (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Empire Steel (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Alan Wight, trained by Sandy Thomson.

Fakiera (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs Martina Griffin, trained by Eoin Griffin (Ireland).

Fakir d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fakir d’Oudairies (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Joseph Patrick O’Brien (Ireland).

Famous Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Nicky Richards.

Fantastic Lady (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr E. R Hanbury, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Farouk d’Alene (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Favori de Champdou (FR), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Fiddlerontheroof (IRE), 10 years old, owned by The Minions, trained by Jim Boyle.

Foxy Jacks (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Ms Rachel Carthy, trained by M. F Morris (Ireland).

Frontal Assault (IRE), nine years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Full Back (FR), nine years old, owned by Mr Ashley Head, trained by Gary Moore.

Fury Road (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sierra Pacific & Pioneer Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Galia des Liteaux (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Michael Ariss, trained by Dan Skelton.

Galvin (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr R. A Bartlett, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Gevrey (FR), eight years old, owned by Denis Gallagher Racing, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Glengouly (FR), eight years old, owned by Roaringwater Syndicate, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Good Boy Bobby (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Dash Grange Stud, trained by Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Hewick (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr T. J McDonald, trained by John Joseph Hanlon (Ireland).

Highland Hunter (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Nic Brereton & Lindsey Brennan, trained by Fergal O’Brien.

I Am Maximus (FR), eight years ole, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Iron Bridge (IRE), eight years old, owned by Hemmings Racing, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Its On The Line (IRE), seven years old, owned by C. C. R. Racing Syndicate, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

James du Berlais (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr Simon Munir/Mr Isaac Souede, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Janidil (FR), 10 years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Kinondo Kwetu, eight years old, owned by Gunalt Partnership, trained by Sam England.

Kitty’s Light, eight years old, owned by R J Bedford & All Stars Sports Racing, trained by Christian Williams.

Latenightpass, 11 years old, owned by Mrs P. A. Ellis, trained by Dan Skelton.

Le Milos, nine years old, owned by The Jolly Good Partnership, trained by Dan Skelton.

Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE), nine years old, owned by Alymer Stud Ltd, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Limerick Lace (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr John P. McManus, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Longhouse Poet (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Sean & Bernardine Mulryan, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Macs Charm (IRE), nine years old, owned by Macs Charm Syndicate, trained by Colm A. Murphy (Ireland).

Mac Tottie, 11 years old, owned by Steve & Jackie Fleetham, trained by Peter Bowen.

Mahler Mission (IRE), eight years old, owned by Colm Herron & Rockview Racing Syndicate, trained by John McConnell (Ireland).

Malina Girl (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mrs J. M. Russell, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Meetingofthewaters (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr P. Byrne, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Minella Crooner (IRE), eight years ole, owned by KTDA Racing/Nick Courtney/Cillian Moran, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Minella Indo (IRE), 11 years old, owned by Mr Barry Maloney, trained by Henry de Bromhead (Ireland).

Minella Trump (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr T. G. Leslie, trained by Donald McCain.

Mister Coffey (FR), nine years old, owned by Lady Bamford & Alice Bamford, trained by Nicky Henderson.

Monbeg Genius (IRE), eight years old, owned by Barrowman Racing Limited, trained by Jonjo O’Neill.

Moroder (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mrs Ann Leftley, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Mr Incredible (IRE), eight years old, owned by Paul Byrne & J. Carthy, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Nassalam (FR), seven years old, owned by John and Yvonne Stone, trained by Gary Moore.

Noble Yeats (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr Robert Waley-Cohen, trained by Emmet Mullins (Ireland).

Ontheropes (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Cheveley Park Stud, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

Panda Boy (IRE), eight years old, owned by Old Pals Partnership, trained by Martin Brassil (Ireland).

Placenet (FR), seven years old, owned by Prof C Tisdall & G Thompson, trained by David Pipe.

Revels Hill (IRE), nine years old, owned by Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates-Revels Hil, trained by Harry Fry.

Riaan (IRE), seven years old, owned by Philip J. Reynolds, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Roi Mage (FR), 12 years old, owned by Pryde/Van Der Hoeven/McGladery/Beaumont, trained by Patrick Griffin (Ireland).

Royal Thief (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Run Wild Fred (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Sail Away (FR), eight years old, owned by Mr and Mrs J. D. Cotton, trained by Dan Skelton.

Salvador Ziggy (IRE), eight years old, owned by William Hurley/Mrs Aisling Hurley, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Samcro (IRE), 12 years old, owned by Gigginstown House Stud, trained Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Shakem Up’arry (IRE), 10 years old, owned by Mr Harry Redknapp, trained by Ben Pauling.

So des Flos (FR), seven years old, trained Mr David Lestrange, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Stattler (IRE), nine years old, owned by Mr R. A. Bartlett, trained by W. P. Mullins (Ireland).

The Goffer (IRE), seven years old, owned by Mr Allan Snow, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Threeunderthrufive (IRE), nine years old, owned by the McNeill Family, trained by Paul Nicholls.

Tommie Beau (IRE), nine years old, owned by Simon & Christine Prout, trained by Seamus Mullins.

Tullybeg (IRE), nine years old, owned by Bective Stud, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Vanillier (FR), nine years old, owned by Mrs H. M. Keaveney, trained by Gavin Cromwell (Ireland).

Where It All Began (IRE), eight years old, owned by Patrick & Scott Bryceland, and the McNeill Family, trained by Gordon Elliott (Ireland).

Lossiemouth annihilates her rivals, but who will she take on at the Cheltenham Festival?

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 13:00:08 +0000

The Willie Mullins-trained 2023 JCB Triumph Hurdle heroine Lossiemouth annihilated her rivals with a superb success in the 2m1f Grade Two Unibet International Hurdle on Cheltenham Racecourse’s Festival Trials Day on Saturday (27 January).

But although the five-year-old daughter of Great Pretender holds an entry in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, the Mares’ Hurdle appears the more likely target in March.

“We have always thought the world of her,” said owner Rich Ricci. “Constitution Hill is a monster and I’m not running away from him [in the Champion Hurdle], but she is a great filly and you just want to mind her to see how she goes.”

Lossiemouth maintained her 100% record at Cheltenham after taking the lead approaching the last hurdle and she went on to score under jockey Paul Townend by a facile nine and a half lengths from Love Envoi for trainer Harry Fry and jockey Johnny Burke, with the Nicky Henderson-trained First Street third under James Bowen, who had already recorded a win on Cheltenham Festival contender Sir Gino earlier in the day.

Lossiemouth: “She was bombing at home”

The beautiful grey Lossiemouth has now won all bar one of her seven career starts. According to Rich Ricci, the mare will head to the Annie Power at Punchestown after the Cheltenham Festival in March, then “maybe something in France”.

“Maybe next season she is a Champion Hurdle type,” he said. “I was 100 per cent nervous coming into today. I think we took the decision based on Vauban last season not to enter her until after the new year to give her plenty of time to come back.

“They told me she was bombing at home, so I expected her to run really well today, so it is happy days,” he continued.

“She is a very nice filly to look forward to. She is brilliant. I’ve never run away from a fight and I think we have to do what is in line with her abilities. She is young and coming up. I’m just delighted with the performance today as she has been great for us.”

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

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 08:30:52 +0000

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.

French-bred Sir Gino, who was found by Jerry McGrath in France, is now unbeaten in three starts over hurdles and heads the market for the Grade One JCB Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, on Friday 15 March.

“He has all the attributes and he shows it to you,” said Nicky Henderson of the son of It’s Gino with whom he hopes to land a record-extending eighth success in the JCB Triumph Hurdle at The Festival.

“This is only the third run of his life, but he knows what he is doing.”

Sir Gino: “A talented individual”

Longtime leader Milan Tino finished third behind Harry Cobden on Burdett Road.

“We were going to find out how good he was today and hopefully we have. He has a lot of scope,” continued Nicky Henderson.

“He jumped much slicker today than he did at Kempton [last time out], but we have been practising a bit and he has got the hang of it now.”

Sir Gino with connections in the winner’s enclosure. Photograph by Grossick Racing Photography. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sir Gino will now head straight to the Cheltenham Festival.

“He knew what he was doing and you don’t need any more practice,” said the trainer. “He would jump a fence, so you have to look after the future as well as the present. He is a talented individual.”

Sadly owner Marie Donnelly broke her hand two days before Cheltenham’s Festival Trials Day so was unable to attend in person.

Disappointment in defeat for Burdett Road’s trainer

James Owen, trainer of the runner-up Burdett Road said it was “disappointing” to get beaten.

“But that is horseracing,” he said. “I think we have bumped into a very good horse there and it is going to be hard to beat him in the Triumph Hurdle.

“I was quite pleased with how my horse settled today and he jumped a lot better. He just got a bit keen as there was no pace from halfway, but I’m not making any excuses.

“He will need to improve a lot to beat Sir Gino,” he added. “But I’m happy enough we still have a good horse. It will be different conditions and there will be more runners and a lot more pace on, so we will give it another go at him.”

‘Mum was looking down on me today’: teenager in shock Grade One success on 22/1 outsider

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 13:45:03 +0000

Emotions ran high at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday (27 January) as teenage jockey Freddie Gingell landed a milestone first Grade One success.

The 18-year-old National Hunt jockey produced a tactical masterclass on 22/1 outsider Elixir De Nutz for his uncle, trainer Joe Tizzard, beating a high-class field including odds-on favourite Jonbon (James Bowen) to win the rerouted My Pension Expert Clarence House Chase on Festival Trials Day.

Freddie, whose first win under Rules came two years ago when he was 16, paid an emotional tribute to his late mother Kim Gingell, who died in 2020, after returning to the hallowed turf of the winner’s enclosure at a buzzing Cheltenham.

“That was definitely the most emotional success I’ve had,” he said. “Mum was definitely up there looking down on me today. Crossing the line, I looked up to her and she looked back, and I could tell she was up there doing something.”

Freddie Gingell: “An amazing day”

The race had looked like a foregone conclusion for the Nicky Henderson-trained Jonbon but the gelding’s usually flawless jumping became haphazard and his partnership with new jockey James Bowen only just stayed intact after a crucial mistake at the top of the hill. The pair then made confident progress, hitting the front before the last, but a renewed drive from Freddie on Terry Warner’s classy 10-year-old Elixir De Nutz pushed them a neck in front of Jonbon as they crossed the line, making it three from three for the teenager and the gallant grey this season.

“This is an amazing day,” said Freddie Gingell. “We came here thinking we might run a big race finishing second or third. He has been an amazing horse for this season, but he has been an amazing horse in general.”

“Freddie has done me proud”

This was also a first Grade One success for trainer Joe Tizzard, Kim’s brother, and he described it as a special moment.

“I didn’t come here thinking we were going to win a Grade One, but we were happy to take our chance with a horse that has been brilliant all season,” he said.

“Jonbon looked like he had us beaten, then we probably out-jumped him at the last. It was our day today and it is special.

“I wouldn’t mind being in Freddie’s position. He is 18 and he has it all in front of him. He is the right size and he is very good over a fence. Days like this don’t faze him and he can take it. I’m biassed, but he has done me proud.

“Kim would be so proud and that is what she put into Freddie to make him the man that he is.”

Nicky Henderson reflected that Jonbon, previously unbeaten bar his two Cheltenham Festival appearances, “has lost the battle but not the war” and all roads now lead to the 2024 Festival in March.

My Life in 12 Horses by Nicky Henderson

Martha Terry — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 10:29:12 +0000

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Title: My Life in 12 Horses

Author: Nicky Henderson with Kate Johnson

Published: 25 September 2023

Available as hardcover

View now at amazon.co.uk

About My Life in 12 Horses

National Hunt champion trainer Nicky Henderson OBE shares behind-the-scenes stories of the dozen most extraordinary thoroughbreds that have defined his glittering career.

After his early days as an amateur jockey and assistant to Fred Winter, Nicky started his own training yard, which would become the home of such great riders as Sir AP McCoy, Barry Geraghty, John Francome, Mick Fitzgerald, Sam Waley-Cohen, Richard Dunwoody, Nico de Boinville and many others.

From his triple Champion Hurdle-winner See You Then, Remittance Man and Nobby the sheep, record-setting Altior, Sprinter Sacre and the greatest comeback in jump racing history, to his new star Constitution Hill, the Henderson yard has been a breeding ground for success.

Through exclusive interviews with Nicky and his jockeys, Nicky Henderson: My Life in 12 Horses schools us on life, sport, magic, courage, loss, hope and love.

Review

A delightful and revealing biography, which is told via 12 special horses (the title of each chapter) in Nicky Henderson’s life. Starting with Happy Warrior, “his beloved beserker”, who gave him several memorable wins as an amateur jockey, the book tracks through stars such as See You Then, Long Run, Sprinter Sacre and Altior. Author Kate Johnson has compiled the book together with Nicky, and it is both beautifully and evocatively written.

With Nicky still very much training at the peak of his powers, the all-conquering Constitution Hill only squeaks in as an “afterword” – though crammed with both character and excitement – yet this is a full, personable and bewitching account of the genius that is the six-time champion jumps trainer.

This book is not only revealing for what it tells us about Nicky, his astounding natural horsemanship skills and empathy for the horses in his care, but I loved the input from other greats of the game. Luminaries such as John Francome and Steve Smith-Eccles shed light on various aspects of Nicky’s career, which adds such insight.

We learn about his inspirations, his friends, and those, like Corky Brown, who’ve helped make Nicky into the success story he is. There are also quotes from Nicky’s family, such as his sister sharing the emotion of their mother’s sudden death, so painful even 50 years later. All in all, it provides a thorough and fascinating account of this brilliant man, and wonderful anecdotes about his great horses, their personalities brought to light so beautifully.

Despite Nicky’s incomparable achievements that so few trainers will ever match, his biography has a heartwarming (at times heartbreaking), down-to-earth feel. We live the highs and lows with him, feel his thrills and his pain. Most of all, in an era when antis try to point the finger at racing, it brings home just how much these horses are loved, cared for, cherished – Nicky’s every waking thought for so many decades has revolved around their wellbeing.

While this is a must-read for racing fans, I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever loved an animal. As Richard Phillips says of Nicky’s career: “Before anything else, it’s an emotional relationship between Nicky and his horses… That’s probably why Nicky’s so good at what he does, he gets quite attached to them. All the best trainers are emotional people, wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Being emotional means understanding how horses think.”

Verdict

A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read about one of the greatest trainers of all time. It gives brilliant insight to the rollercoaster thrills of Nicky Henderson’s outstanding (and still strongly ongoing) career and the personalities behind some of the biggest equine names in National Hunt history, from the “hell-cat” See You Then to the “glittering athlete” Sprinter Sacre. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I cried, and it made me feel I loved the greatest game more than ever.

View now at amazon.co.uk

‘An absolute superstar’: Constitution Hill blitzes his Champion Hurdle rivals at the Cheltenham Festival

Gemma Redrup — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 16:15:08 +0000

Constitution Hill put himself into the record books when romping home to victory in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon (14 March). Ridden by Nico De Boinville, the six-year-old, who is trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Michael Buckley, became the shortest price winner of the Champion Hurdle.

“What a horse – I’m absolutely delighted,” Nico said to ITV Racing after the race, which Constitution Hill won comfortably at a canter with nine lengths in hand to State Man in second. “He came up out of my hands at the last flight and had plenty left in the tank. He gave me a terrific spin round.

“I could feel the others coming two out, but this horse winged every hurdle and it was just a question of when I pushed the button. He is an exceptional horse and an absolute superstar.”

Nico was quick to give his thanks to the team around him.

“I’m delighted for Michael, the guv’nor [Nicky], Sean, who rides him every day, Jayden, who looks after him, and everyone at Seven Barrows [Nicky’s yard].

“On a personal level, it has always been a dream of mine to win the big three – the Gold Cup, Champion Chase and Champion Hurdle – and so I’m delighted to have achieved it.”

For Nicky Henderson, this is a ninth Champion Hurdle victory.

“He’s an extraordinary horse and can’t believe he’s doing stuff like that at this stage of his life; it’s remarkable,” said Nicky of Constitution Hill, who won the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago. “Nico was obviously great too.”

Michael Buckley, who has owned racehorses for 50 years, admitted he was “shaky” following the race.

“I’d like to thank Nicky and all of his team,” said Michael after the Champion hurdle result. “I’d also like to thank the fans and the people that love this sport and have taken this horse into their hearts.”

Sir AP McCoy said after the race: “He is the horse of a generation and one we may be talking about for generations.”

State Man, who was second favourite and who has been impressing in his runs in Ireland, finished second under Paul Townend for trainer Willie Mullins.

66/1 shot Zanahiyr finished third in the Cheltenham Champion Hurdle result for trainer Gordon Elliott and jockey Davy Russell.

‘He eats, sleeps, works and goes back to bed’: meet the ‘laid-back’ racehorse set to light up Cheltenham

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 16:32:57 +0000

One of the most hotly anticipated runners at next week’s Cheltenham Festival is Constitution Hill. The six-year-old gelding, who is trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by Michael Buckley, is unbeaten in all of his five starts over hurdles to-date. He will start as odds-on favourite to take the prestigious Champion Hurdle title next Tuesday (14 March).

“We have been lucky enough to train a lot of nice horses and when they come along, you find yourself being the minder of a piece of public property,” says Nicky. “Sprinter Sacre almost certainly was, Altior almost certainly was – when they come along and are like that, they are no longer just yours. We just look after them and we really want everybody to enjoy them.”

Since making a triumphant debut at Sandown Park in December 2021, Constitution Hill has gone on to win four Grade Ones, including at the Cheltenham Festival 12 months ago when defeating his stablemate Jonbon by 22 lengths in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

Although he comes alive on the racecourse, Constitution Hill is a completely different character behind the scenes at Nicky’s Lambourn Seven Barrows yard.

“This is why he is such a good horse as his whole demeanour is so laid back. Nothing bothers him and nothing gets him very excited,” explains Nicky.

“You wouldn’t pick him out in a crowd, whereas Sprinter and Altior you definitely would as they would tell you who they were. He is a good looking horse, but Sprinter was the most beautiful horse you would see and he knew it. He went everywhere with that swagger.

“Constitution Hill doesn’t do that. He eats, he sleeps, he gets up and does what work you ask him to, and he goes back to bed. It is all very straightforward.”

Former top National Hunt trainer Henrietta Knight knows exactly what it is like to have a superstar in your yard. She trained the wonderful Best Mate to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup three times between 2002 and 2004 and she says that Constitution Hill is a “crown jewel”.

“I think racing and the country like to have a horse they can associate with and [Constitution Hill] is that horse,” says Henrietta. “I think he is the horse that will capture the imagination of the people rather like Best Mate did. He was the people’s horse and I think that is what Constitution Hill is becoming.

“He is on everybody’s lips and he is the first horse that is mentioned when it comes to Cheltenham. He has not run many times, but what he has done has been spectacular. At the moment the sky seems to be the limit. I think it is the ease with which he has been winning his races that makes him stand out.

“From the days of having Best Mate, I know it is very exciting as you are sitting on a crown jewel. Nicky is a top trainer and he deserves a really good horse like this again.

“Constitution Hill is starting to become the people’s horse and Nicky is the people’s trainer.”

A true fighter: top horse has turned a corner after two colic operations

Gemma Redrup — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 11:13:11 +0000

Altior has proved he is as much a fighter off the racecourse as on, as he appears to have “come out of the other side” after two colic operations.

The former top two-mile chaser, who retired in 2021, was found suffering from colic on 21 January. The 13-year-old was still in critical condition four days later, but National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson has issued a positive update.

“I’m delighted to say that it is good news as he appears to have come out of the other side and seems to be over the worse of his severe bout of colic,” Nicky explained on his Unibet blog yesterday (2 February).

“It’s been a long, slow process. I must admit we were all extremely worried at one time and very concerned that he mightn’t pull through, but thankfully due to the excellent work from everyone at Donnington Grove, especially Kate McGovern, Rosie and the whole team who stayed with him on a 24-hour watch, it looks a though Altior will be able to return home to the Fitzgerald family tomorrow, which is obviously fantastic news for him and all of us.”

Altior, a two-time Champion Chase winner, had been enjoying life with former top jockey Mick Fitzgerald and his wife Chloe since the horse retired from racing in 2021, and it is now hoped he will be able to continue enjoying his retirement.

“There have still been a few nervous moments, but he was getting brighter and brighter as the days went on and it has been amazing how far he has come,” said Nicky. “It’s very rare for any horse to survive what Altior has gone through, and I’d go as far to say that this was as deep as you could go and his chances were not very promising at all.

“But as we’ve all said before, he must be a very tough and brave person to overcome what he has. He was a fighter on the racecourse and is most definitely a fighter off it as well.”

Nicky explained that as things have gradually improved, Altior has been moved back on to solid food, which he has “taken well”.

“He’s still receiving plenty of TLC and certainly won’t be ridden or doing very much for a few weeks or more, but the most important thing is that he is still with us and should hopefully continue enjoying a deserved happy retirement,” continued Nicky.

‘No horse deserves this’: legendary jumper in critical condition after colic surgery

Gemma Redrup — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:43:59 +0000

Legendary former National Hunt racehorse Altior is “critically ill” with colic, according to a blog post released by his former trainer Nicky Henderson.

The two-time Champion Chase winner, who retired in 2021, has undergone two operations and is still in critical condition.

Multiple champion jumps trainer Nicky said: “Unfortunately we have a problem with Altior after it was discovered on Saturday morning [21 January] that he was suffering from a severe bout of colic.

“As a consequence, he was taken to the equine hospital very, very quickly where he had to undergo a four-hour operation to remove a considerable amount of his intestine. It was a big operation and not straightforward.”

Nicky said that the following morning, Altior was “still extremely uncomfortable so had to undergo further surgery due to complications”.

“There is some reasonably positive news in the fact that this morning he is stable, but still critical,” he said today (25 January). “Pat Pugh [Altior’s owner] has been to see him on several occasions and he is currently in extremely good hands with all of the team at Donnington Valley.”

Altior clears the last fence before going on to win The Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Steeplechase under Nico de Boinville during the 2017 Cheltenham Festival. (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Altior, 13, was retired in September 2021, after a career headlined by his world record-setting 19 consecutive victories and brace of Champion Chase titles.

Nicky Henderson said at the time of Altior’s retirement that the horse’s owners Christopher and Patricia Pugh wanted to retire the 11-year-old “while still at his peak, fit, sound and healthy and ready for a new career”.

In all, Altior scored 21 victories from his 26 starts, including 10 Grade Ones and winning £1,320,795. He has been spending his retirement with former top National Hunt jockey Mick Fitzgerald and his wife Chloe.

“It’s a terrible shame because he deserves a long and happy retirement and was really enjoying life at Chloe and Mick Fitzgerald’s,” said Nicky. “It’s been extremely tough, and no horse deserves this, especially dear Altior who gave so much pleasure to everyone on the track.

“We are all praying and doing everything humanely possible to ensure he can pull through and continue living life as he should.”

You may also enjoy reading…

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘A superstar who won’t be replaced’: dual Champion Hurdle winner retires from racing

Gemma Redrup — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:09:28 +0000

Dual Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle winner and eight-time Grade One victor Buveur D’Air has been retired. The 11-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson and owned by JP McManus, amassed £1.23m in prize money during his career, winning 17 of his 27 races.

Multiple champion trainer Nicky said in his Unibet blog: “He was a great friend to all of us at Seven Barrows and was one of the nicest people to have around the place. He did everything you’d ask and was a joy to train. I feel very privileged to have trained him for all those years. He was a superstar and won’t be replaced.

“I’m delighted he’ll have a long and happy retirement at JP’s Martinstown Stud where he’ll have plenty of time to exchange stories and anecdotes with Istabraq and Binocular about Champion Hurdles gone by.”

Buveur D’Air’s final run in Kelso’s Morebattle Hurdle in March saw him finish down the field in ninth following an 11-month absence.

Nicky cited a freak incident, when a shard of wood from a flight of hurdles became wedged in the gelding’s coronet band while racing in November 2019, as the reason behind the decision.

“It all goes back to the Grade One Fighting Fifth Hurdle in 2019 when he managed to get a six inch piece of wood wedged into his hoof, so to get him back racing again was an achievement in itself and testament to Buveur D’Air himself who was a model patient,” he said.

“The vets did a marvellous job. There were literally hundreds of splinters in his foot and they had to get out every single one, which was a massive challenge. They managed to do it, but we were always facing small issues because he was never entirely happy on it. He was never lame, but it would be a bit like you and I having a stone stuck in our shoe, which is rather uncomfortable.

“The plan was to run him at Tipperary’s big meeting next month and he was in full training and going well, but not quite as well as everything used to be. It was clear that his foot was still giving him problems, which is why we made the decision when we did because he’s not getting any younger and our only concern is his welfare.”

Rated 172 at his peak, Buveur D’Air won two consecutive runnings of the Fighting Fifth Hurdle, plus the Top Novices’ Hurdle, Aintree Hurdle, Christmas Hurdle and Punchestown Champion Hurdle, in addition to his 2017 and 2018 Cheltenham Champion Hurdle victories.

As laid-back as they come: watch Cheltenham Festival winner being ridden by small child

Jennifer Donald — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 17:12:44 +0000

Constitution Hill, a five-year-old gelding by Blue Bresil and owned by Michael Buckley, was awe-inspiring when cruising to an incredible 22-length victory in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival this afternoon (15 March).

Trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico De Boinville, he looked to be in a different league from his rivals in terms of class.

But so laid-back is Constitution Hill that Barry Geraghty’s six-year-old daughter was tasked with helping to school and ride him as a three-year-old and, as you can see from the video, they struck up a lovely partnership.

A photo posted by on

“I love his disposition,” says jockey Nico de Boinville. “He’s so relaxed. He just eats, sleeps and goes out like a pony. He wanders round at the start and does everything so easily. He is push-button to ride, honestly a jockey’s dream.

“He’s such a likeable horse. He answers every question and everything seems to be so easy for him. He’s always within his comfort zone, so it seems.”

In Nico de Boinville’s mind he is already up there with Supreme winners Altior and Shishkin in terms of raw ability.

“This is some horse, quite an animal,” he says.

When Constitution Hill won the Grade One Tolworth Novies’ Hurdle at Sandown in January, trainer Nicky Henderson had to watch the race on television, while he sat out a bout of Covid. He said at the time: “Even I thought he was impressive,” he said. “What we saw was better than any medicine – that’ll kill Covid I can tell you, watching something like that. He was spectacular. We hoped he might be.

“There had been a lot of hype from one run but he’s an extraordinary horse and just to go round there and do that was frightening, to be honest with you.”

But even Henderson described the horse as “asleep” most of the time.

“He’s a sheep,” he says: “Let’s just hope that the future shines for this horse. He could be enormous but as everyone knows you need an awful lot of luck on your side for things to go forward, but the future looks bright.”

Keep up-to-date with all the latest news and updates from the Cheltenham Festival via the Horse & Hound website and read the full report in the 24 March issue of the magazine

Why hunting and fun rides are proving the perfect (if unusual) prep for this Cheltenham Gold Cup contender

Jennifer Donald — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 16:32:10 +0000

At racing yards up and down the country, preparations are stepping up as the Cheltenham Festival beckons. But Cheltenham Gold Cup contender Santini, is undergoing a rather unusual regime ahead of his tilt at the showcase race, enjoying some hunting, team chasing, hunter trials and fun rides under new trainer Polly Gundry.

“He works harder and better if he has a few trips out, so that’s why we try to do it,” Polly says.

The imposing 10-year-old by Milan has been a high calibre chaser during an exceptional career and he’s no stranger to the Cheltenham Festival, having finished just a neck behind winner Al Boum Photo in the 2020 Gold Cup, with placings in the RSA Novices’ Chase in 2019 and the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle in 2018 when trained by Nicky Henderson.

But, after a lacklustre year in which he was pulled up in his second attempt at the Gold Cup, connections decided to give him a change of scenery and he was sent to Devon-based trainer Polly Gundry, who actually broke in Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes’s home-bred and did all his pre-training. Santini also won a point-to-point for Polly’s husband Ed Walker before joining Nicky Henderson at his Seven Barrows stables in Lambourn.

The eight-time champion lady point-to-point jockey admits to feeling daunted at the prospect of taking on such a high-calibre chaser back in April. But so far this season, he’s put in two encouraging performances on the track and is now all systems go for the Cheltenham Festival.

“He’s been hunting three times – once with the Berkeley and twice with the Cotley Harriers – we’ve done bits of flatwork and he did the Cotley Hunt fun ride too,” says Polly. “He’s usually an absolute gentleman out hunting.

“He hasn’t been hunter trialling this year because it’s been a bit too firm, but he has in previous years. He’s just used to being chucked in the lorry and dragged off with me to do lots of odd things!” says Polly, who rides him herself nearly every day.

A star in their midst

While this legendary chaser can hack round the Ottery St Mary countryside anonymously, he did get recognised by some surprised competitors at the Stevenstone Hunt team chase in September.

Polly will now also be focussing on some weight management for this “good doer”.

“He definitely needs to be a bit leaner before the Gold Cup!” she says. “It’s the sign of a healthy, happy horse but he’s just a really good doer. He goes out in the field to keep him marching around too.”

Polly has also been using “lots of old-fashioned roadwork” to help keep his feet right as Santini has been prone to getting corns in the past.

“We’ve just worked on trying to get him confident in his feet again as I think that was part of the root of his problems last year,” explains Polly.

Polly is thoroughly enjoying having Santini back in her stables.

“He’s always been a gent but he’s much more professional nowadays,” she says. “As a baby he was really spooky and silly, we couldn’t go out the back drive if it was dustbin day. He’s still spooky and fun, but he does it in an arrogant way now. You could do a dressage test on him today or you could showjump him, he’d have made the most beautiful eventer. He’s a proper all-rounder.”

The road to the Cheltenham Festival for Santini

Santini’s first run for Polly came at Cheltenham in December under Harry Skelton, where the gelding just tired in the closing stages. Nick Scholfield received the leg up when Polly sent Santini back to Cheltenham on Saturday (29 January) where they finished second, just over two lengths behind Santini’s former stable-mate, Nicky Henderson’s Gold Cup hope Chantry House.

“The ride Nick Scholfield has given him was amazing,” says Polly. “As Harry [Skelton] couldn’t ride him this time and as he will probably ride Protektorat in the Gold Cup, Nick has come in and got to know him over the past month to six weeks and he will probably ride him in the Gold Cup.

“It was just poetry to me. That reception will make the world of difference to him as it will do his confidence good. He is a showman.”

Jockey Nick Scholfield describes Santini as jumping “like a stag”.

“He’s everyone’s dream – he doesn’t pull but he does still have a little bit about him,” says Nick. “I’ve ridden lots for Polly over the years and often sit on some Kelvin-Hughes horses there. I first rode Santini when he was four and at Polly’s when she trained him to win his first point-to-point. I jumped a few jumps on him back then and he stood out – it was no real surprise to see him go on and do great things and almost win a Gold Cup with Nicky Henderson. I’ve followed Santini’s career all the way through.

“It’s very exciting to have the ride on him in the Gold Cup.”

Santini will be making a few more appearances on the hunting field in the run-up to the Cheltenham Festival.

“The Gold Cup is the aim now and he’ll hopefully go hunting again this week. He’ll also be doing his long, steady canters every week – it’s four miles on our soft sand,” says Polly. “People ask what it’s like to have a Gold Cup horse but I try to compartmentalise it slightly, because actually I’ve got plenty to worry about and all I want to do is not let him get the snots – he’s not a Gold Cup horse if he’s not healthy. He will be treated very similarly to the rest but I’ll probably just watch him a bit more often.”

Gearing up for Cheltenham Festival 2022: three stars to watch after Trials day

Marcus Armytage — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 16:32:07 +0000

The star of Cheltenham’s Festival Trials day (29 January) was undoubtedly Paisley Park and he joins a handful of other leading names to have laid down their credentials for the Cheltenham Festival in March after eye-catching performances that day. Here are three key names who should be going on your Cheltenham Festival ones to watch list…

Paisley Park

The comeback of a popular old warrior always goes down well and, on Cheltenham Trials day, the crowd roared home Paisley Park (pictured) in the Welsh Marches Stallions at Chapel Stud Cleeve Hurdle. His win was far from straightforward, however, as he dwelt (or, possibly, thought twice about this whole racing malarky) and gave his rivals a dozen lengths at the start. That looked game over, but, aided by a steady pace, his jockey Aidan Coleman gradually rejoined his four rivals and travelled through the race more sweetly than he has done for a season or so.

“You got us into this mess, you get us out of it,” was Coleman’s thinking.

Down the hill, Paisley Park invariably came off the bridle but, as he does, he went into overdrive up the hill and picked off the odds-on shot Champ, another 10-year-old, to win by 3¼ lengths. With Klassical Dream and, to a certain extent, Champ fluffing their lines, do not, on the back of this, rule Paisley Park out of a second Stayers Hurdle, which he last won in 2019. He missed this race last year when it was moved to Wetherby. It will have set him up a treat for the Cheltenham Festival in March and, given the rousing reception he was given on Saturday, victory there would lift the roof off the Princess Royal stand.

“It’s really emotional,” said his trainer Emma Lavelle. “The support he gets is amazing. Everyone knows how much he tries. Andrew [Gemmell, his owner] is not here today which is a sadness, but he’s very chirpy in his hospital bed after that.

“He’ll come back in March and hopefully it will be a bit more straightforward than that! But that was the proper Paisley and we haven’t seen that for a while. He’s a special horse. He owes us nothing, we owe him so much.”

Chantry House

British hopes for the Boodles Gold Cup at the Cheltenham Festival in March look pretty thin on the ground. By virtue of staying at home, the Dan Skelton-trained Protektorat looks the best of them and he has yet to prove he will get a stiff 3¼ miles. The one thing you can, at least, guarantee with Chantry House, winner of the Paddy Power Cotswold Chase on Saturday, is that he will stay. He really did not look like the winner until they lined up for home and Santini, his former stablemate now back with Polly Gundry but second in the Gold Cup two years ago, pushed him all the way in a gruelling race for his 2½-length win.

I am not sure the cheekpieces made a whole lot of difference, but trainer Nicky Henderson explained he had put them on for the Cotswold Chase rather than wait to deploy them in the Gold Cup because he felt the eight-year-old by Yeats had to win on Saturday.

“He had to win today to stay in the game,” explained the trainer. “If he hadn’t, he’d have no business in the Gold Cup. It was a tough race. They had to work hard. It’s lovely ground but it’s not helping them. We’ll take the positives.”

Pied Piper

The most impressive thing on Cheltenham Trials day was the nine-length victory of Pied Piper, bred by The Queen, in the JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. And if the Derby is out of reach in The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year, there must be a good chance of her breeding a Cheltenham Festival winner whether the four-year-old goes for the Triumph Hurdle – his stablemate Fil Dor who wears the same silks is meant to be better – or the Supreme Novices.

He won a couple of races for The Queen on the Flat with John Gosden. He was available to British trainers but, eventually, went to Andy and Gemma Brown, who race their horses under their business Caldwell Construction, for 225,000 guineas at Tattersalls horses-in-training sale in the autumn. They are becoming pretty big players in the Gordon Elliott set-up. I cannot recall seeing too many easier winners at Cheltenham.

Read Marcus’s full report on the weekend’s racing action in Horse & Hound, in shops on Thursday 3 February

‘He never has a bad day’: behind the stable door with superstar racehorse Shishkin

Jennifer Donald — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 13:26:00 +0000

Behind every champion on the racecourse is a devoted lad or lass toiling away behind the scenes and Jaydon Lee (pictured above leading) is currently the envy of the racing world as he is responsible for looking after the superstar two-mile chaser Shishkin.

The epic winner of the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot is now Cheltenham Festival-bound for the Champion Chase, where he bids to follow up on his Festival successes in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and last year’s Arkle.

We went behind the stable door at Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows stables to find out a bit more about eight-year-old Shishkin from Jaydon himself.

About Shishkin

“He’s one of those horses who never has a bad day,” says Jaydon. “He loves to see you – except in the morning when you wake him up early, he doesn’t really want to know you then – but he just goes about his day quietly and does it well.

“Some of us like to call him Shish-King at home and he likes all the attention. If there’s ever hay outside his door on the morning of his race, we know we’re in business and it’s going to be a good day, whereas the morning after there’ll be nothing left on the floor, he eats it all.

“At the races he knows where he is and has a job to do, so he likes to have a look around, but he’s quite laid-back after that.”

Shishkin winning the Clarence House at Ascot

“He’s just so good, everything he does is great,” says Jaydon of the Grade One race (below) where he beat the Willie Mullins star Energumene. “Shishkin just showed how gutsy he is.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Shishkin landing the Supreme Novices Hurdle in 2020

“It was my first Cheltenham winner and even more special because he won it in a battle,” says Jaydon. “I had no idea what was happening or what to do – there were just crowds and photographers everywhere and I had a million things going round in my head. I used to be one of those people who couldn’t watch the races, but, now I know he can jump fences, I’m OK.”

About Jaydon

“This is my third year at Nicky’s. I don’t have a horsey background, I just got hooked on racing from watching it on Saturdays with my grandad,” he reveals. “I went to Warwick racecourse one day and knew what I wanted to do from there.”

As well as Shishkin, Jaydon also has the exciting Constitution Hill among his charges — “There are exciting days to come hopefully,” he says.

“The best part of the job is that you can travel anywhere, there are lots of opportunities and great people you meet, but the horses are the main reason. I’m very lucky,” he concludes.

Behind-the-scenes at Nicky Henderson’s yard on Christmas Day

Gemma Redrup — Sat, 25 Dec 2021 13:32:35 +0000

The Christmas period is one of the busiest times for the racing industry with Boxing Day being a highlight on the National Hunt calendar, so racing yards have to operate as usual on Christmas Day. We went behind the scenes at top trainer Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard to find out how they enjoy the festivities while working the horses.

“Christmas Day is very similar to a normal day for us, but there is a staff rota whereby half of the staff work Christmas Day and the other half work New Years Day,” says Nicky’s assistant trainer Billy Aprahamian. “Because Boxing Day is such a big day in racing the horses need to be exercised as usual.”

There is a more relaxed start on Christmas Day, with the first lot pulling out at 8am, as opposed to the usual 6.30am.

“The aim is to do all the horses in one lot so we can leave the yard around 10am,” adds Billy. “There is always lots of tinsel and festive jumpers on display.”

At the yard, Christmas Day is treated like a Sunday, so any horses — from the 148 in-training — not racing over the festive period will have a day off.

“The boss then brings out champagne and sandwiches for all the staff after first lot which is always really nice,” adds Billy. “Then staff come back for evening stables after their Christmas lunches. So it’s very much like a usual day, just with some festivities thrown in.”

The Nicky Henderson yard will be sending out many horses over Christmas with exciting prospects to watch out for.

Don’t miss our full report from the Boxing Day racing at Kempton Park in the 6 January issue of Horse & Hound.

‘End of a wonderful era’: Nicky Henderson pays tribute to Altior as beloved stable star retires

Lucy Elder — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 16:41:16 +0000

Altior, jump racing’s record breaking superstar, has retired after a “fantastic innings” headlined by his world record-setting 19 consecutive victories and brace of Champion Chase titles.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said that Altior’s owners Christopher and Patricia Pugh wanted to retire the 11-year-old “while still at his peak, fit, sound and healthy and ready for a new career”.

The modern day Goliath of National Hunt racing will join another legend in his retirement, as he moves into the care of Mick and Chloe Fitzgerald.

“It’s a very tough decision to make, but I am pretty sure he has enjoyed every moment of it as much as we all have,” said Nicky, in his Unibet blog today (13 September).

“He goes out unblemished and very nearly unbeaten, and for his retirement he is going to be looked after by Mick and Chloe Fitzgerald and I know they are as happy as we are that he is going to have a long and happy retirement with them just two miles down the road from us.

“There is no doubt you will all see him again at our open day and I’m sure he will be on parade at Cheltenham but Mick and his family will keep him entertained and busy and most of all happy which is what we all want.

“All good things must come to an end and unfortunately that time has come. It is the end of a wonderful era we will never, ever want to forget.”

Bred by Paddy Behan, the High Chaparral gelding, out of a Key Of Luck mare, was bought by David Minton and Nicky at the Goffs Land Rover Sale as a three-year-old. He won his maiden bumper by 14 lengths at Market Rasen and remained in bumpers for the following season owing to a “couple of issues”.

His novice hurdling season in 2015/16 marked the start of the phenomenal gelding’s world record-breaking run of unbeaten success, which ran for close to four seasons under the expert guidance of Nico de Boinville and Noel Fehily in the saddle.

Altior’s novice hurdling career was capped with his electric seven-length victory in the Grade One Supreme at the 2016 Cheltenham Festival, leaving hot favourite Min seven lengths in his wake. He returned the following year to add the Arkle to his CV, followed by back-to-back Champion Chases in 2018 and 2019.

The 19th victory in his unrelenting trophy hunt came at his third Celebration Chase triumph at Sandown in 2019. The 2021 running of the Grade One, in which he finished second, would turn out to be his final start.

“He put up a blistering display of brilliant jumping at speed but unfortunately that little bit of fitness caught him out on the run in and he had to settle for an honourable second. I think everyone will agree he was a joy to watch that day even if he did get beaten in what has turned out to be his last race,” said Nicky.

He credited Toby Lawes who “rode him pretty much every day” for years, along with Nico for his “massive role” in Altior’s career, and Noel for stepping in when Nico was injured.

“Jumping-wise, Altior was the same as Sprinter Sacre on that score; they were both absolutely phenomenal and I don’t think either of them ever made a mistake during a schooling session or on the track,” he said.

“Barney Clifford measured him jumping one of the last fences in a race he won at Kempton and it was 14 yards! Altior knew exactly what he was doing and simply loved his jumping because it came so easy to him. He was everything you could wish for in a race horse; he was completely faultless.”

In all, Altior scored 21 victories from his 26 starts, including 10 Grade Ones, £1,320,795 prize money and a world record 19-strong unbeaten streak over obstacles to carry him firmly into the history books as one of the greatest equine athletes of all time.

What is your favourite Altior memory? Send your thoughts to hhletters@futurenet.com, including your name, nearest town and country, and you could win a bottle of Champagne Taittinger

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

11 things you need to know about National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson

Find out everything you need to know about the six-time Champion National Hunt trainer, Nicky Henderson

That winning feeling: the moments that captured our hearts at Cheltenham Festival

We were treated to some fantastic racing and magical moments at Cheltenham Festival last week (16-19 March). Even if we

‘Devastating for all of us’: Altior ruled out of Cheltenham

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:41:26 +0000

The 2018 and 2019 Queen Mother Champion Chase winner, Altior, has been ruled out of going for a third tilt at the race at this week’s Cheltenham Festival.

The 11-year-old’s trainer Nicky Henderson reported today (15 March) that he had returned an unsatisfactory scope after working this morning.

Breaking the news via his Twitter account, Nicky said: “We are very sorry that we have taken the decision not to run Altior in the Champion Chase on Wednesday. He coughed after exercise this morning, which caused us to scope him, and as a result of what we have seen it would not be sensible to run him.

“This is devastating for all of us, and Pat and Christopher Pugh [Altior’s owner and her husband] in particular, in that this is the second year running that we have had to pull him out at the last minute. His work and schooling last week were as good as we have ever seen and we couldn’t have been happier with his whole preparation.

“Not surprisingly, this is a bitter blow to all of us and we are so sorry for everyone that he will not be there on Wednesday.”

Altior, who is by High Chaparral, has so far amassed £1,296,219 in prize money and has won 21 of his 25 races.

Chacun Pour Soi heads a final field of 10 for this Grade One race, which includes Nube Negra, who beat Altior in the Grade two Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

The next Altior? National Hunt star meets his younger brother

Check out the exciting new arrival at Nicky Henderson's Lambourn yard

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Day two at the Cheltenham Festival: Altior shines amid Irish dominance and Ruby Walsh sidelined again

Brilliant Altior flies the flag for the Brits on day two, while Irish trainers dominate the rest of the card

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Another notable absentee from this week’s racing at the Cheltenham Festival will be Annie Mc, who was also announced a non-runner this morning.

Trained by Jonjo O’Neill, the seven-year-old mare owned by Coral Champions Club, had been a real-live chance in Friday’s Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase.

Jonjo tweeted: “Sadly Annie Mc has suffered a small setback and will not run in the Mares’ Chase on Friday. Unfortunately Cheltenham has just come a week too soon for her.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

11 things you need to know about National Hunt trainer Nicky Henderson

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:24:37 +0000

Find out everything you need to know about the six-time Champion National Hunt trainer, Nicky Henderson.

1. Nicky Henderson was born on 10 December 1950. He is one of Britain and Ireland’s leading National Hunt trainers.

2. He is the son of the prolific racing personality Johnny Henderson who founded the Racecourse Holdings Trust (now the Jockey Club Racecourses) and is famously known as the man who “saved Cheltenham” in the early sixties.

3. Before starting his career as a National Hunt trainer Nicky was a successful amateur jockey and assistant to trainer Fred Winter for four years, before taking out his own trainer’s licence in 1978.

4. His first major win came in the 1985 Cheltenham Festival Champion Hurdle with See You Then. See You Then won the race twice more in 1986 and 1987. He still remains one of only five horses to win the Champion Hurdle three times. More recently Henderson won the Champion Hurdle with Punjabi in 2009, Binocular in 2010, Buveur D’Air in 2017 and 2018 and Epatante in 2020.

5. Arguably his greatest feat was training the six-year-old Long Run to win the King George and Cheltenham Gold Cup in the same season (2010-11).

6. Other notable wins include the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 1992 with Remittance Man and again in 2012 with Finian’s Rainbow, the 2009 JCB Triumph Hurdle with Zaynar, the 2012 Arkle Challenge Trophy with Sprinter Sacre and the 2000 World Hurdle with Bacchanal, and Altior, who has won two Queen Mother Champion Chases (2018 and 2019) the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2016 and the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2017.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

The next Altior? National Hunt star meets his younger brother

Check out the exciting new arrival at Nicky Henderson's Lambourn yard

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

7. He is the most successful trainer at the Cheltenham Festival having won 62 races so far, seven in 2012 alone.

8. He is six-time champion National Hunt trainer — winning in the 1985/86, 1986/87, 2012/13, 2016/17, 2017/18 and 2019/20 seasons.

9. Nicky Henderson trains at Seven Barrows in Lambourn.

10. He is yet to train a winner of the Grand National.

11. He is married to Diana and has three daughters; Sarah, Camilla and Tessa.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find out more about getting the magazine delivered to your door every week.

Champ second-favourite for Cheltenham Gold Cup after unusual prep run

Marcus Armytage — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 11:45:03 +0000

Racing is usually about the winners, but with all due respect to Sceau Royal, Alan King’s heroically consistent jumper who has spent most of his career bashing against the immovable object of Altior, the story after the rearranged Betfair Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Sunday 21 February was about the runner-up Champ.

Nicky Henderson decided to run last year’s RSA winner over two miles on his belated reappearance, and the nine-year-old was promoted to second favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup after making most and only going down by two lengths in what is, more usually, a Champion Chase trial.

“He’s enjoyed himself, he’s not slow and the great thing was his jumping,” said a very happy Henderson. “He was quite deadly out there and it will have done him the world of good. We now have two days short of a month to get him ready for the Gold Cup.

“He’s an extraordinary horse. When he comes to the races, it’s like a flicking a switch on. You wouldn’t give sixpence for his work up the all-weather, you wouldn’t give two-and-six for his work on the grass, but he’s worth the full wallop when you bring him to a racecourse.

“I told Nico [de Boinville] not to go asking him too many questions, but he was asking to be asked. We’ve been working on it [his jumping] with Henrietta Knight which is where we discovered in the autumn that he needed a wind operation.

“I wonder if it might have been why he got into trouble two out in last year’s RSA. He went back there on Thursday for a loose-school. His jumping needed ironing out, but that was flawless.

“All good horses have to have pace and we think he stays so you’ve got to be happy with that.”

You may also be interested in…

(Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

‘Something you dream of when you’re a kid’: changing of the guard as Galopin Des Champs is defeated in Cheltenham Gold Cup

(Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

We continue to publish Horse & Hound magazine weekly during the coronavirus pandemic, as well as keeping horseandhound.co.uk up to date with all the breaking news, features and more. Click here for info about magazine subscriptions and access to our premium H&H Plus content online.

And they’re off! National Hunt horses to keep on your radar this season H&H Plus

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 17 Oct 2020 08:00:24 +0000

Hannah Lemieux talks to connections and campaigners preparing for the season ahead to find out which are the National Hunt horses to follow for 2020/21…

Trainer Kim Bailey’s National Hunt horses to follow

YARD SUPERSTAR

“Vinndication is a progressive individual who has won seven races from 10 starts for our yard. We bought him as an unbroken three-year-old and he is now seven. He’s a Grade Two winner and one of his best runs came at the Cheltenham Festival in March, when he finished fourth from a field of 23 in the Grade Three Ultima Handicap Chase. His 2020/21 campaign will start in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby (31 October), if all goes to plan.”

MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER

“Ajero is a five-year-old son of Red Jazz and ran very well at the end of September to finish second in a novices’ hurdle at Huntingdon – just his second-ever start. He did pull rather hard and needs to learn to settle in a race, but he’s an exciting prospect. He finished third in a bumper in Ireland and I think he’s a very good horse.”

THE BIGGEST CHARACTER

“A horse called Younevercall is nicknamed ‘Johnboy’ at home. He’s a real character and I would describe him as a smiley horse – if you tickle him, he sticks his tongue out. He’s a joy and people love riding him at home.”

BOUNCING BACK

“Rocky’s Treasure enjoyed a good season in 2018/19, winning four novice chases. However, he hates running on soft ground and last year’s wet conditions didn’t suit him at all, which resulted in poor form. On his last run in November 2019, he was rated at 145 – he’s clearly talented but needs good ground, so we’re praying it dries up a bit for him.”

Billy Aprahamian, assistant trainer to Nicky Henderson

YARD SUPERSTAR

“It has to be our dual Champion Chase victor Altior. He didn’t have a great season last year, which included him having wind surgery, but that’s just horses and racing for you. He has a phenomenal record and won 19 consecutive races – for a horse to achieve that kind of form is unparalleled. He’s 10 now, but he’s certainly still the horse he was and looks great at home. He’s a machine.

“I should also mention six-year-old mare Epatante, who won the Champion Hurdle at the 2020 Festival – she has won seven of her nine runs to date.”

MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER

“Flinteur Sacre is a five-year-old full brother to Nicky’s former stable star Sprinter Sacre. He won his second bumper – and second-ever race – very well in February. He’s a smart type and has been schooling nicely at home.

“We’ve had three brothers to Sprinter Sacre at Seven Barrows so far and they have all looked very similar to their superstar brother – big, tall and handsome. They have all had big boots to fill of course, but if Flinteur Sacre can fill just one of those four boots, he’d be doing well.”

THE BIGGEST CHARACTER

“I am torn between three horses at Seven Barrows; The Cashel Man, Janika and Santini. You know when all three are about because there is plenty of bucking and squealing – they like to make their presence known.

“Janika, in particular, always has a squeal when trotting past the boss in our indoor warm-up ring. I ride Santini each morning and whenever he has done a good piece of work, he likes to tell people about it, as there will be some legs flying about. He is always showing off and loves an audience.”

BOUNCING BACK

“It is brilliant to have the 2017 and 2018 Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D’Air back at Seven Barrows, having recovered from injury. During the Fighting Fifth Hurdle in November 2019 – in which he finished second – he splintered his coronary band at the second-last hurdle. He spent time at Donnington Grove Equine Vets and they did a superb job with him. He then went back to his owner JP McManus’ Martinstown Stud in Ireland to recover. He has just returned to training and is the same old professional as before.”

Trainer Emma Lavelle’s horses to follow this season

YARD SUPERSTAR

“Paisley Park has been a wonderful winner for us in the stayers’ hurdle division, including winning the 2019 Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival and Ascot’s Grade One Long Walk Hurdle in 2018. He’s a fantastic horse who has taken us all on an incredible journey. His owner, Andrew Gemmell, has been blind from birth and adores the horse.

“He finished a disappointing seventh in the Stayers’ Hurdle in March and was found to have an irregular heartbeat afterwards. He is now back in full work and feeling very fresh.”

MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER

“Gold Link is a four-year-old son of Rail Link and finished second in a bumper in France when trained by Adrien Lacombe. He was due to have his first run for us in the spring, but then Covid-19 happened. He does everything easily at home and is a very exciting horse. He will begin his campaign in novice hurdle races.”

THE BIGGEST CHARACTER

“Dagueneau is the sweetest, kindest horse and the class clown really. Once he’s finished his food, he will always throw his feed manger out of his back window. So when it comes to feed time, the poor person has to walk all the way round to the back of the stables to retrieve it – which he finds highly amusing. He always has his tongue sticking out, there is no badness in him at all – he loves to entertain and he is enjoyable to ride at home, too.”

BOUNCING BACK

“Buster Thomas had 18 months on the sidelines following a tendon injury, but is now back better than ever before. He’s a big horse and probably has the biggest head in the yard. He’s lovely to deal with and is as hard as nails – he’s come back stronger and more determined. He also should have run back in springtime, but actually lockdown has meant we’ve given him more time and that has been a huge positive for him.”

Trainer Harry Whittington’s National Hunt horses to follow

YARD SUPERSTAR

“It would have to be Saint Calvados. He’s a top-class chaser and finished second in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival in March, when he was beaten by a neck. He will go up in trip this season and should improve. We will possibly aim him at the Gold Cup. He’s arrogant and knows he is good, but he’s also a professional and easy to train.”

MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER

“Docpickedme is a four-year-old gelding who won his debut point-to-point in Ireland in March, his only race so far. He has speed and turn of foot in a race and has impressed at home. He will start off in a bumper before going novice hurdling, for which he has plenty of speed.”

THE BIGGEST CHARACTER

“Emerging Force has returned after a lengthy lay-off. He’s a smart horse, but unbelievably cheeky and knows how to unclip anything – including his hay rack, which now has to be wired together. He’s a very cool horse.”

BOUNCING BACK

“Anemoi is a very talented half-brother to the Karl Burke-trained Laurens. He had an operation on his spleen, which is very unusual, and then had 18 months off. He’s won three races to date so we’re looking forward to having him back on the racecourse.”

Trainer Chris Gordon’s horses to follow in 2020/21

YARD SUPERSTAR

“Highway One O Two is so far unbeaten over hurdles, having won all three of his novice hurdle races. He won a Grade Two hurdle at Kempton in February and will be aimed at novice chases. We are full of hope for him. He can be strong, but he enjoys life and is a joy to have around at home.”

MOST EXCITING NEWCOMER

“Lord Baddesley ran in two bumpers last season and recently enjoyed his debut win for us at Fontwell in a novice hurdle. He bolted up and won nicely for an inexperienced horse. He’s a lovely type and will remain in novice hurdle company this season. We will keep him at the smaller racecourses for now, just to give him a bit more experience and he will go chasing the following season.”

THE BIGGEST CHARACTER

“We bred Jimmy with co-owner Les Gilbert. He is a great character but conformation-wise, I wouldn’t spend £50 on him at Ascot sales! He was bred for Fontwell, let’s just say, and all of his races have been at the West Sussex track, bar one win at Plumpton. He enjoys Fontwell and could probably drive the lorry there himself, he’s been so many times. Everyone loves Jimmy at home.”

BOUNCING BACK

“Highway One O One has had a wind operation since last season, but during his recent run at Fontwell he flipped a soft palate when running on well three out – I think a tongue tie will help him. He’s run in multiple Graded races for us and fingers crossed we can get back to some level of consistency with him.”

Ref Horse & Hound; 15 October 2020

The Liverpudlian who had never sat on a horse 5 years ago now rides one of the most famous horses in the world

Gemma Redrup — Mon, 02 Dec 2019 16:24:09 +0000

Five years ago, Joe Anderson had only just sat on a horse for the first time — he now rides one of the most famous racehorses in National Hunt circles every day. That horse is Altior (pictured with Joe), who recently enjoyed a run of 19 consecutive victories, accumulating £1,249,710 in prize money during his career so far.

Joe’s story of how he has come to find himself aboard one of trainer Nicky Henderson’s most famous horses every day wouldn’t be out of place in a film script.

“I grew up in Liverpool,” explains Joe, who is now 23 years old. “My family weren’t horsey at all and my mum worked long hours, so I spent a lot of time at my nan’s house.”

It was there that Joe got his first taste of horse racing.

“My uncle used to watch a lot of racing on TV at my nan’s, so I would sit and watch it too. Somewhere there’s a video of me when I was very young, sat on the arm of a sofa with half a snooker cue in my hand, pretending to ride a finish as I watched Edredon Bleu win the King George in 2003. I was mad into it.”

But then, as is the case with many boys growing up, Joe lost interest in anything horse-related.

“Then, when I was about 14, I started watching it again and would sneakily have the odd bet,” says Joe, who then discovered the British Racing School at Newmarket. “When I was 17, I started the 14-week foundation course there. I had never sat on a horse before.”

This course teaches students everything from riding to yard work and the video below shows Joe on his first day in the saddle.

For anyone who needs a laugh, 4 years ago today was my first time sitting on a horse, enjoy ??Posted by Joe Anderson on Sunday, November 11, 2018

“When I left there I could get a horse up the gallops, but I was told by one of the instructors that I was the only person to leave the school who would be better off on the ground than on a horse — I left in February 2015 and I think I was worse at riding than when I arrived. I was hopeless!” laughs Joe.

Still Joe decided he wasn’t going to give up that easily and by September 2015 he was working for National Hunt trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

“I spent my whole time trying to emulate the style of the boys who rode there, like Sam Twiston-Davies for example, and one day the penny sort of dropped.”

In 2016, just two years after his first riding lesson, Joe rode in his first point-to-point for a trainer local to the Twiston-Davies’, Andrew Campbell.

“I pulled up on my first ride, who was a 40/1 shot, but I took rides on whatever I was offered — I was just mad keen.”

Joe went on to start in 26 points, recording his sole victory at Mollington in May 2018.

“Then one day Nigel asked me what I was going to do the following year — I thought he meant, where was I going to work, but what he was actually getting at was whether I wanted to ride under Rules, as he was looking for a 10lb claimer. I couldn’t believe it,” says Joe in his Scouse accent. “I never thought I would actually get there.”

In the 2018/19 season, now a conditional jockey, Joe rode in 17 races, clocking up three second placings along the way. And in May 2019 he made the move to Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn yard to broaden his knowledge and experience. Then in June, something thousands of people would dream about actually came true for Joe.

“I was down to ride one horse for second lot and then I was told: ‘the boss has changed it and put you on Altior’,” he explains. “I was so nervous because all I could think was ‘oh my God, don’t fall off and be the person who let Altior get loose’!”

Altior’s former daily rider, Toby Lawes, had left to set up his own training venture that month, something Joe has capitalised on in spades as it means he now exercises one of the most prolific horses in training.

“Altior is such a professional in every aspect,” Joe explains when asked what is it like to ride such an equine megastar. “He does everything with so much ease and never wastes any energy. I’ve never ridden anything like him. He’s fast, really fast, and makes other good horses look average. I’m just very lucky.”

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: Edward Whitaker)

‘I love the thrill’: meet the former professional rodeo rider hoping to go point-to-pointing

Brady Betlamini switched saddles from rodeo riding to racing, and he is loving his new career

(Image credit: Edward Whitaker)

Joe has continued to ride under Rules this season with seven starts under his belt so far, including two for his boss.

“The dream is to get a couple of winners and to then start establishing myself as a jockey,” says Joe. “There’s no doubt I want to make it my career.”

And I don’t doubt him, after all, this is the boy who simply followed his dream from ‘riding winners’ with a broken snooker cue in hand in Liverpool, to now riding one of the most remarkable racehorses in recent history. That doesn’t happen by accident — remember his name.

Would you like to read Horse & Hound’s independent journalism without any adverts? Join Horse & Hound Plus today and you can read all articles on HorseandHound.co.uk completely ad-free

Holidays are over! See National Hunt horses return to work after their summer breaks

Hannah Lemieux — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 11:24:16 +0000

While the sun has been shining over the past few months, the country’s winter jump horses have been enjoying their well-earned summer breaks; resting their limbs, filling their tummies with lush grass and enjoying time out in the field with their stablemates.

With August fast-approaching, these horses are now making a return to training in anticipation of National Hunt racing returning properly in October, and it is time to get back into exercise and get back into full fitness. The journey for the 2019/2020 jump season starts here, and we can’t wait...

Tom George

We haven’t stopped smiling at this video from the Tom George yard, showing an enthusiastic “11-years-young” God’s Own acting more like a three-year-old in the pen — someone is certainly happy to be back. Sit tight!

God’s Own’s everyday rider @DerrickSherrie and assistant trainer, John having a first sit on Basil who clearly hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for his job during the summer break! Age 11 now but still a 3 year old in his mind!? pic.twitter.com/RW9KGeHw7NGod’s Own’s everyday rider @DerrickSherrie and assistant trainer, John having a first sit on Basil who clearly hasn’t lost any enthusiasm for his job during the summer break! Age 11 now but still a 3 year old in his mind!? pic.twitter.com/RW9KGeHw7N— Tom George Racing (@TomGeorgeRacing) July 9, 2019— Tom George Racing (@TomGeorgeRacing) July 9, 2019

Gordon Elliott

The horses at the top Irish trainer’s Cullentra House Stables in County Meath are back in their barns, and with plenty of overgrown manes and tails, someone will be looking forward to a few days of trimming.

Great to have the first load of winter horses back ? pic.twitter.com/UK695hvUmrGreat to have the first load of winter horses back ? pic.twitter.com/UK695hvUmr— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 23, 2019— Gordon Elliott (@gelliott_racing) July 23, 2019

Philip Hobbs

The National Hunt horses at the trainer’s Somerset yard lined up to go through various checks, including going on the weighbridge to have their weight and microchip numbers registered. Looks like the farrier will have his work cut out with that long line of horses.

The horses coming in from their holidays out at grass ?today ready to start getting fit for the 2019/20 National Hunt…Posted by Philip Hobbs on Monday, July 8, 2019

Neil Mulholland

The horses at Neil’s base near Bath are enjoying some road work through the woods on their return from the field, before the serious fitness work begins.

Some of the horses doing road work that have just enjoyed the spring grass. They look well and are enjoying being back in. They love going through the woods. pic.twitter.com/YjlbqDk8t2Some of the horses doing road work that have just enjoyed the spring grass. They look well and are enjoying being back in. They love going through the woods. pic.twitter.com/YjlbqDk8t2— Neil Mulholland (@Neil_Mulholland) July 9, 2019— Neil Mulholland (@Neil_Mulholland) July 9, 2019

Paul Nicholls

First ride back in the school for Grade One Ryanair Chase winner Frodon as the winter horses start coming back in at the champion trainer’s Ditcheat yard.

Frodon the lion heart is back and he is already making people smile. Here he is having his first ride back in the hands of Lorcan. #legend pic.twitter.com/sN9qiZGlAgFrodon the lion heart is back and he is already making people smile. Here he is having his first ride back in the hands of Lorcan. #legend pic.twitter.com/sN9qiZGlAg— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) July 16, 2019— Harry Derham (@Harry05Derham) July 16, 2019

Nicky Henderson

The popular chaser Might Bite heads back to Nicky’s Seven Barrows yard in Lambourn, and looks well following his summer break.

It’s been a busy change over week at the farm with some old friends returning to their trainers. We are over the moon with this boy who has thrived during his holiday & is on great terms with himself. The very best of luck to his owners & @sevenbarrows for the season #?staysafe pic.twitter.com/b2snjczpEvIt’s been a busy change over week at the farm with some old friends returning to their trainers. We are over the moon with this boy who has thrived during his holiday & is on great terms with himself. The very best of luck to his owners & @sevenbarrows for the season #?staysafe pic.twitter.com/b2snjczpEv— Tracy Vigors (@wickhamwicks) July 18, 2019— Tracy Vigors (@wickhamwicks) July 18, 2019

Dan Skelton

The team at Dan Skelton’s Warwickshire base are working hard with all their winter horses now back in training — no doubt with this week’s hot weather, they are now basking in glorious sunshine!

It's a quiet day for us with no runners today but the hard work continues at home. Most of our winter horses are back in work and staff are in high spirits despite the unfavourable weather! #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/syknvCVVUNIt's a quiet day for us with no runners today but the hard work continues at home. Most of our winter horses are back in work and staff are in high spirits despite the unfavourable weather! #TeamSkelton pic.twitter.com/syknvCVVUN— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) July 19, 2019— Dan Skelton Racing (@DSkeltonRacing) July 19, 2019

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

9 things you might not know about Cheltenham Champion Chase hero Altior

Martha Terry — Thu, 14 Mar 2019 10:55:15 +0000

Yesterday (13 March), nine-year-old Altior, owned by Patricia Pugh and trained by Nicky Henderson, equalled the world record for 18 successive jump race wins when taking his second Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Here we find out a little bit more about this impressive National Hunt star who has now amassed £1,149,326 in prize money...

1. Altior’s 18 successive wins are a jumps world record — shared with four-time Stayers’ Hurdle winner Big Buck’s. But Altior’s wins have come over both hurdles and fences, and he has never been beaten over obstacles.

2. He windsucks. “It’s a bad habit,” says trainer Nicky Henderson, “but we can live that.”

3. Nicky knew he was special right from day one.

“He was hugely talented very early on,” says Nicky. “Even from his very first piece of work, I knew.”

4. This was his fourth Festival win in a row: two Champion Chases, the Arkle and the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The latter is regarded by many as one of his classiest wins — he beat his great Irish rival Min, future dual Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air and another Festival winner, Supasundae.

5. He has a great attitude to life. Nicky describes him as “very easy to have around”. “He likes everything — eating, drinking and galloping.”

6. His winning margin in the Champion Chase was his narrowest since going over fences — just 1¾ lengths. He has recorded huge winning margins in the past — including 63 lengths on his first start over fences.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

Altior on his way to winning the Queen Mother's Champion chase 13-3-19 (Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Day two at the Cheltenham Festival: Altior in close finish and 2018 National victor wins by 22 lengths

The highlights from day two at the Cheltenham Festival

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

7. The last time he did not start as favourite was for the Supreme Novices’ back in 2016. Since then he’s never been longer than evens.

8. He has a two-year-older full brother, Cestus (High Chaparral x Monte Solaro), who had just the one run, finishing second in a bumper.

9. Nicky is contemplating stepping his star up to 2½ miles, or even three, with a run in the 3m King George looking like a possible aim for next season.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, and don’t miss the full report from the Cheltenham Festival in next week’s issue of Horse & Hound, out Thursday 21 March 2019. Plus, don’t miss the current issue (dated 14 March), which features an exclusive interview with Nicky Henderson

Snow problem! How the racing world carried on despite the deluge of white stuff

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 09 Feb 2019 16:24:57 +0000

Last week, before equine flu struck, heavy snow stopped play for many across the equestrian world, but horsey people are know for their sheer determination. Here’s how some of those in racing battled through the very wintry conditions...

1. An all-nighter

The team at Paul Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard were able to get the horses out on the gallops thanks to their “trusty gallop man”, Rob Lee, who stayed up all night harrowing the gallops so they could be used in the morning — now that is dedication!

Rob Lee (our trusty gallop man) has been up all night trying to beat the snow… hoping to get the horses out within the next hour. pic.twitter.com/ORjx8ny4RHRob Lee (our trusty gallop man) has been up all night trying to beat the snow… hoping to get the horses out within the next hour. pic.twitter.com/ORjx8ny4RH— Megan Nicholls (@meg_nicholls11) February 1, 2019— Megan Nicholls (@meg_nicholls11) February 1, 2019

2. Snow at Seven Barrows

Champion trainer Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn base was hit hard with the white stuff, which meant the tractors were out in force. Fortunately for the team at Seven Barrows, there is an undercover exercise ring, which must be a saving grace at times like these…

A few shots from Seven Barrows this morning. A great job done by all the staff and the gallops men! #snow pic.twitter.com/o8DW3TXYYvA few shots from Seven Barrows this morning. A great job done by all the staff and the gallops men! #snow pic.twitter.com/o8DW3TXYYv— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) February 1, 2019— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) February 1, 2019

3. Minus degrees at Dunlop’s

Lambourn-based Flat trainer Harry Dunlop managed to get his horses out onto the handy trotting ring for a leg stretch despite the inches of snow.

Great effort from all my staff keeping the show on the road in the Snowy conditions Robin of Navan leading the rest of the older horses for a trot pic.twitter.com/GkZ2DvIJeXGreat effort from all my staff keeping the show on the road in the Snowy conditions Robin of Navan leading the rest of the older horses for a trot pic.twitter.com/GkZ2DvIJeX— Harry Dunlop (@HarryDunlop3) February 1, 2019— Harry Dunlop (@HarryDunlop3) February 1, 2019

4. A mountain of snow

The team at Berkshire-based Jo Davis’ put the hard work in to clear the yard of snow, including digging out the horsewalker so that it could be used.

Thank God for my wonderful staff who made it in. #livingthedream #horseracing #horses #racehorses #snow pic.twitter.com/HS9LvNsCWKThank God for my wonderful staff who made it in. #livingthedream #horseracing #horses #racehorses #snow pic.twitter.com/HS9LvNsCWK— Jo Davis (@Jodavis9) February 1, 2019— Jo Davis (@Jodavis9) February 1, 2019

5. Getting to the races

Flat jockey Rob Hornby had to dig himself out of his drive on the morning of Friday 1 February, in order to get to Lingfield Park Racecourse. Even though his remarkable efforts to get there did not yield him a winner, Rob picked up two third placings at the all-weather meeting in Surrey.

“I will get to @LingfieldPark” – @rob_hornby18 dedication! God loves a trier! ? @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/VQi10slboO“I will get to @LingfieldPark” – @rob_hornby18 dedication! God loves a trier! ? @AtTheRaces pic.twitter.com/VQi10slboO— Jamie Neild (@_17jn) February 1, 2019— Jamie Neild (@_17jn) February 1, 2019

6. ‘Beautiful but unhelpful’

Point-to-point trainer Francesca Nimmo, who is based near Stratford, takes some very artistic shots in the frozen conditions, crediting James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their work throughout the night to ensure the gallops were usable in the morning.

❄️?Beautiful but unhelpful ?❄️
Thanks to James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their hours harrowing through the night to keep the gallop in great order pic.twitter.com/7gLurGmbJg❄️?Beautiful but unhelpful ?❄️
Thanks to James Pritchard and Joe Hutchings for their hours harrowing through the night to keep the gallop in great order pic.twitter.com/7gLurGmbJg— francesca nimmo (@francesca_nimmo) January 31, 2019— francesca nimmo (@francesca_nimmo) January 31, 2019

7. What is this white stuff?

Snow hits the historic Bonita Racing Stables in Marlborough, Wiltshire, where National Hunt trainer Emma Lavelle is based, and the team do well to clear the pathways on the yard.

Shiroccan Roll says ‘It’s snow joke’ ☃️?? #TeamLavelle pic.twitter.com/p2Ok2oslBtShiroccan Roll says ‘It’s snow joke’ ☃️?? #TeamLavelle pic.twitter.com/p2Ok2oslBt— Emma Lavelle (@ELavelleracing) February 1, 2019— Emma Lavelle (@ELavelleracing) February 1, 2019

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Can you spot what is unusual about this racehorse’s tack?

Hannah Lemieux — Thu, 08 Nov 2018 16:24:51 +0000

When the Nicky Henderson-trained Wenyerreadyfreddie triumphed in the Ascot Underwriting Chase on Saturday (3 November), eagle-eyed racing fans may have noticed his bridle looked a little unusual.

The seven-year-old chestnut gelding was, in fact, sporting a Micklem bridle — most commonly seen on competition horses and very rarely on the racecourse.

The Micklem is designed to avoid the sensitive areas on a horse’s head by fitting higher up on the nose where the bone is thicker and avoiding any inward pressure on the molar teeth.

Pressure on the poll is also minimised because the headpiece is a single strap that is wide and padded. The bit is attached to the nosepiece to reduce pressure on the tongue or mouth.

Whereas grackle or cross nosebands are often seen on jumping racehorses’ bridles, you are less likely to see a Micklem bridle being used.

“Wenyerreadyfreddie is particularly funny about his head and is very sensitive in the poll area,” explained Nicky, champion National Hunt trainer.

“We think he might have had a knock on the head at some point, because he is funny about things like loading into the horsebox too,” he added of the son of Beneficial, who joined the Lambourn yard in November 2016.

“He always carried his head high as well. I can’t remember who actually told me about the Micklem bridle, but we tried it out on him and it was very successful, so we kept him in it. Now he is ridden every day — both at home and in races — in a Micklem.

“His stable lass, Katie, rides him each day and she says it makes a huge difference to the way he goes.”

Continued below…

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The Micklem bridle: what you need to know

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The gelding has run eight times for Nicky, recording two wins and is rarely out of the placings.

So will we see other trainers following Nicky’s lead? Only time will tell…

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

The National Hunt season is here! 7 horses to keep on your radar this jump season

Hannah Lemieux — Sat, 03 Nov 2018 12:24:01 +0000

If you’re as exhilarated about the new jump season kicking off as we are, you will be on the hunt for some exciting horses to watch over the next six months. Well, here is a selection of very promising horses — perhaps the next big stars of the game — who need to be on your radar this winter...

Lalor

The six-year-old son of It’s Gino enjoyed three wins when trained by the late Richard Woollacott. Now trained by his wife, Kayley, the gelding produced an emotional victory for the Woollacott yard when winning the Grade One Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.

Due to the recent dry ground, Lalor hasn’t ben out yet, and Kayley revealed in her recent Betway blog that the horse will be aimed at Cheltenham on Sunday, 18 November.

“We’re now planning to go to the Racing Post Arkle Trial at Cheltenham. It will be good to give him a sight of the Cheltenham fences, although obviously we would have liked to have got a run into him first,” she wrote.

“A race like the Arkle in March is an obvious target, although we may decide nearer the time to focus on Aintree — where he’s won for the past two years. He’s a really exciting horse and we can’t wait to get him going over fences.”

Laurina

The talented five-year-old mare, by Spanish Moon, is trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland.

Her total earnings to date have amassed £131,255 and she only started her racing career in April 2017.

Last season was her first in the Mullins yard, having come over from France where Guillaume Macaire trained her, and impressively she won all of her four starts for the Irish trainer. These wins included the Grade Two Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Grade One Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship Final at Fairyhouse, both under Paul Townend.

From six racecourse starts, the Sullivan Bloodstock-owned mare has posted four wins, a second place, and a fall on her debut in France.

Laurina under Paul Townend. (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Images)

Verdana Blue

Another talented mare to keep an eye on this season. The six-year-old daughter of Getaway is trained by the champion trainer, Nicky Henderson, in Lambourn.

She kicked off her 2018/19 campaign with a win on the all-weather at Chelmsford in September, before Nico de Boinville steered her to victory at Kempton in the Listed Matchbook VIP Hurdle in October. She beat the Paul Nicholls-trained Old Guard decisively by seven lengths.

Politologue

Featured in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (1 November), Politologue already has two Grade One and three Grade Two victories tucked under his belt, aged just seven.

Trained in Ditcheat by Paul Nicholls, the grey gelding’s two Grade One wins came last season; in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown and in his final run of the season, the JLT Melling Chase at Aintree.

He has already won a tidy £454,457 for his connections.

His owner, John Hales told H&H he bought the gelding “by accident” after the horse won at Auteuil in France.

“He’s not fulfilled everything yet and we’re aiming him at the King George on Boxing Day,” said John. “He’s the best natural jumper we’ve had. He has pace, power and jumping ability — he’s a tremendous athlete.”

Politologue on his way to winning under Sam Twiston-Davies. (Image credit: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)

Presenting Percy

Last season, the seven-year-old gelding was not out of the top three in his six starts for Irish trainer Patrick Kelly — four of which were winning runs under his regular jockey Davy Russell.

The son of Sir Percy, who is owned by Philip Reynolds, has won a total of £258,466 in prize money to date.

His biggest wins last season came in the Grade Two John Mulhern Galmoy Hurdle at Gowran Park, before claiming the Grade One RSA Insurance Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Footpad

Another to emerge from the Willie Mullins yard, the six-year-old son of Creachadoir won all of his five starts last season for his on-fire owners, Simon Munir and Isaac Souede.

He justified favouritism in all five of those runs — four of which were Grade Ones — and has amassed a tidy pot of £583,359 for connections.

This side of the Irish Sea, Footpad won the Grade One Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase under Ruby Walsh at the Festival in March.

Footpad and Ruby Walsh win the Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy at the Festival. (Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Kalashnikov

The five-year-old son of Kalanisi, who is trained by young handler Amy Murphy, impressively has not been outside the top two in any of his six career starts — a pretty flawless form to date.

Under his regular jockey Jack Quinlan, the gelding enjoyed his best wins last season in the Grade Three Betfair Hurdle, before going on to take Grade One glory in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival.

He has won a total prize fund of £137,691 for owner Paul Murphy.

Check out our National Hunt special in this week’s issue of Horse & Hound (1 November). For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss the weekly magazine — on sale every Thursday.

The next Altior? National Hunt star meets his younger brother

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 01 Aug 2018 11:07:29 +0000

Nicky Henderson has welcomed an exciting new addition to his Seven Barrows yard, in the form of a half-brother to National Hunt star Altior.

The unbroken three-year-old was bought from the Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale at the end of June and Nicky’s stable star appeared happy and intrigued to meet his new sibling.

“He only arrived at the yard last week and we have just started the process of breaking him in,” the five-time champion jump trainer told H&H.

“He is a beautiful-looking horse and, of course, it is lovely to have him in the yard. Obviously, I hope he proves to be as good as his brother, but if he turns out even half as good as Altior I will be pleased — he certainly seems to have a lovely temperament.”

Altior and the new prospect share the same dam in Monte Solaro, but different sires — Altior is by High Chaparral and his half-brother is sired by Milan.

Although the owner of the youngster has not yet been revealed, the Lambourn trainer confirmed that it is not Patricia Pugh, who owns Altior.

The eight-year-old made a dazzling comeback in February, following a wind operation before Christmas, by winning at Newbury. He went on to dominate this year’s Grade One Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March and the Celebration Chase at Sandown in April.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Day two at the Cheltenham Festival: Altior shines amid Irish dominance and Ruby Walsh sidelined again

Brilliant Altior flies the flag for the Brits on day two, while Irish trainers dominate the rest of the card

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

School’s out! Altior and friends enjoy a well-earned (very) sunny holiday

Find out how some of the stars of the National Hunt scene are enjoying their summer break...

(Image credit: Bill Selwyn)

Watch incredible paintings of the Cheltenham Festival come to life

Sporting artist Freddy Paske knocked up masterpieces of the Cheltenham action at breakneck speed after each of the four big

It took the top-class gelding’s unbeaten tally to an impressive 14 consecutive wins. Much to the delight of his many fans, Altior showed he had lost none of his exceptional ability under Nico de Boinville.

It will be a waiting game to see whether Nicky’s new arrival is a patch on Altior, but it is certainly something for National Hunt fans to look forward to in the not too distant future.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Teddy the Shetland and Nicky Henderson in race for champion trainer’s title (honest)

Lucy Elder — Sat, 07 Apr 2018 11:52:19 +0000

Nicky Henderson, Paul Nicholls or Teddy the Shetland — the race is on for the National Hunt champion trainer’s title.

A fun film released by Sandown Park racecourse follows the diminutive palomino Shetland as he makes a surprise entry at the top end of the championship league.

The viewer is taken on a tour of the pint-sized master’s top-class training facilities in Lambourn, as he watches his string trot around the arena before working on the gallops.

Dressed smartly in a Newmarket blanket and tweed flat cap, and sporting a pair of binoculars, Teddy looks every inch the part.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

With work to be done, Teddy takes a quick trot around the yard before springing up the steps into his office to catch up on the latest racing news.

Champion jockey Richard Johnson, Nicky Henderson and Briony Frost are just a few of the famous names to praise the astonishing achievement of the extremely fluffy equine.

Article continues below…

You might also be interested in:

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Teddy the Shetland’s racing dreams come true in heartwarming video

The adorable Shetland takes a staring role in the short film as he imagines how it would feel to gallop

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Willberry Shetlands join mounted police on the beat in London

Londoners may have done a double take this morning (15 November 2017) when they spotted two pint-sized ponies on the

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Cheeky Shetland takes a nibble of Prince Harry

The cheeky Shetland also took a swipe at The Queen’s flowers when Her Majesty visited Stirling Castle last summer

“It’s an astonishing story Rachael,” journalist Dave Yates explains to Racing UK presenter Rachael Casey.

“The scale of Teddy’s achievements is really hard to put into words, even the great Nicky Henderson has had to stand back in admiration.”

Reigning champion Nicky agreed.

“All of a sudden he is just winning everything, and I don’t know what we are going to quite do about him — this time last year we had never heard of him and now he is winning everything under our feet,” said the four-time champion trainer.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Briony added it would be “amazing” to be legged up for “Mr Teddy”.

“A serious privilege that would be,” she added.

The 2017/18 National Hunt Champion Trainer title will be awarded at the Bet365 Jump Finale at Sandown Park on 28 April.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Zara Tindall — and 14 other famous faces at the Cheltenham Festival this week

Madeleine Silver — Fri, 16 Mar 2018 16:00:07 +0000

Royal Ascot might be when the fashion press come out in force as celebrities strut their stuff — but it’s at the Cheltenham Festival (13-16 March 2018) that racing’s biggest fans can don some tweed and hope to slip under the radar as they enjoy the top class sport... Check out who we spotted this week

Don’t miss our full report and analysis from the Cheltenham Festival in the 22 March issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Day two at the Cheltenham Festival: Altior shines amid Irish dominance and Ruby Walsh sidelined again

Hannah Lemieux — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 18:11:33 +0000

For the British racing fans today was all about the remarkable Altior and for the Irish, it was all about Samcro — two unbeatable horses who stamped their authority all over the hallowed Cheltenham turf on day two of the Festival.

Altior’s triumph in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase could have brought even the hardiest of racegoers to tears.

The eight-year-old, who is owned by Patricia Pugh, was sidelined before Christmas following a wind operation and then just a few days before this afternoon’s Champion Chase he was lame with puss in his hoof — not the smoothest of preparations leading up to the big race.

However, going off the evens favourite no one doubted this special horse and he rewarded everyone’s faith with a brilliant win on holding ground that didn’t suit him.

It was another big race victory for his trainer Nicky Henderson, after Buveur D’Air yesterday, and his jockey Nico de Boinville kept his cool when things did not go to plan mid-race.

When Douvan — who was returning after a 364-day break — fell four out when travelling strongly, the door was left open and it was his stablemate, Min, who challenged the eventual winner going up the iconic Cheltenham hill. However, Altior forged clear to win by an impressive seven lengths, making it a 60^th Festival victory for his trainer.

“If we had been beaten I wouldn’t have used a sore foot as an excuse. It’s been a tough season and he’s been missing out on races, but he’s so good — he’s just got gears, and Nico was great because they were going a good gallop and he kept calm,” said Nicky.

“He was electric — in behind he wasn’t doing that much, but getting lots of cover and getting a very cool ride. For a second he looked in trouble and I thought ‘this isn’t going to happen’, but as soon as he saw daylight he knew where he was going.

“To find those gears in that ground, off that pace — you have to be pretty good. It was a great race on paper.”

For Nico, it was his second win in the Champion Chase after Sprinter Sacre’s victory in 2016 and he added: “That was a sensational performance. I was in serious trouble the whole way round. He hated the ground — this ground would be the worst he has ever had, it is so dead and tacky, and would not be his ground at all.

“His jumping kept him in the race. He is exceptional and the best of the best. What a superstar he is, and boy, am I lucky to ride him. I know that he has those gears at the end of a race. He’s a freak.”

Samcro flies the flag for the Irish

With the exception of Altior, the Irish dominated day two of the Festival with trainers from the Emerald Isles taking the remaining six races on the card and it was Samcro who stole the show.

The Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old justified favouritism and maintained his unbeaten record when winning the opening Grade One Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle under Jack Kennedy.

It was a confident win, with the pair holding off the Tom George-trained Black Op by 2¾ lengths. The chestnut gelding may now go over fences and is being talked about as a future Gold Cup contender.

Bad news for Ruby

After a brilliant start to the Festival yesterday for Ruby Walsh, on his comeback from injury, today proved desperately frustrating when the jockey took a heavy fall from Al Boum Photo. He was taken to hospital for x-rays — on the same leg he broke previously — and will not be riding for the remainder of the Festival.

Don’t miss Horse & Hound’s Cheltenham Festival preview, on sale now (8 March 2018). Read the Cheltenham Festival report in the 22 March issue of Horse & Hound, plus read daily round-ups online (13-16 March 2018).

Latest from Horse & Hound in Nicky-henderson

Time called on Constitution Hill’s hurdles career – but fans will see him parade at the Cheltenham Festival

You may also be interested in:

‘There’s every chance he could make a good recovery’: star hurdler Sir Gino receiving top-class care after injury

You may also be interested in:

‘It will take a nice one to beat her’: experts share their day three Cheltenham Festival racing tips

Cheltenham Festival tips

Cheltenham Festival day three tips, and more…

Day three tips: Thursday 13 March

Day four tips: Friday 14 March

Cheltenham Festival tips and how our expert tippers fared in 2025

Day one tips: Tuesday 11 March

Day two tips: Wednesday 12 March

You may also be interested in:

‘Dreadful news’: most expensive jumps horse bought at public auction to miss Cheltenham Festival

You may also be interested in:

‘Give me a pinch and make sure this isn’t a dream!’: shock result in Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival

How are the Champion Hurdle fallers?

Cheltenham Festival day one results

You may also be interested in:

Trainer Nicky Henderson on pre-Cheltenham bombshells, rivalry with Willie Mullins, his love for Sprinter Sacre and chasing that elusive Grand National win

Racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson on all-time great Sprinter Sacre

Chasing the Grand National dream

You may also be interested in:

The Horse & Hound Podcast 162: multiple champion trainer Nicky Henderson

Horse & Hound Podcast: episode 162

You may also be interested in:

‘A dreadful blow’: top horse in hospital after injury

You may also be interested in:

‘A certain amount of relief’: world’s most expensive jumps racehorse makes British debut

World’s most expensive jumps racehorse arrives in Britain

Palladium: “His jumping was positive and I thought he was great”

You may also be interested in:

Jonbon: everything you need to know about this key Cheltenham Festival contender

You may also be interested in:

12 things you need to know about exciting racing star Sir Gino ahead of the Cheltenham Festival

You may also be interested in:

Davy Russell: ‘Nicky Henderson gets so much stick, but he lets his horses do the talking’

Irish excitement

It’s time to take a chance

You might also be interested in:

Constitution Hill is back! Wonder horse extends unbeaten record as he makes history 365 days after his last appearance

You may also be interested in:

‘We have a problem’: Constitution Hill’s planned reappearance ‘unlikely’ says trainer

You might also like to read…

‘The grit and the glory’: new series to show racing as never before

RMG chief executive Martin Stevenson this week described the launch of the docuseries as a “huge opportunity” for racing.

He said: “The question is how can we build on this. I hope everybody will love it and we can talk about the next series. The way these things work best is to build them over a number of series and to really draw people into the stories so it becomes one of the ways they enjoy the sport.

“We want people at home to be able to engage with racing and to see it in a different way, to get a glimpse behind the scenes and experience the grit and the glory.

“We hope to ultimately widen the sport’s fanbase. Racing is clearly facing some challenges, but it still has a huge audience and if we can get a decent fraction of the people who enjoy jump racing engaged then we’ve succeeded.”

You might also be interested in:

‘A great horse, friend and warrior has gone’: sad farewell to top horse after stable accident

“He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning but sadly this is now not to be,” said Mr Henderson.

“This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.”

You may also be interested in…

Stable star home safe from hospital after ‘traumatic few days’

‘We’ve had to make some very tough decisions’: Nicky Henderson declares several horses non-runners at Cheltenham Festival

The statement read: “I’m afraid we’ve had to make some very tough decisions following the very disappointing performances of all bar one of our horses yesterday.

“It was there for all to see that there’s obviously something affecting nearly all our horses and consequently we have reluctantly decided that Jonbon, First Street and Kingston Pride will not run today.

“I hope everybody will appreciate that we have to do this in everybody’s interests, particularly the horses’. It is very, very disappointing for everybody.”

Jingko Blue will still run in Wednesday’s Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, as will Doddiethegreat and Lucky Place in the Coral Cup (3.15).

Another shock non-runner was declared by Mr Henderson in a statement this morning in the form of Friday’s Gold Cup hopeful Shishkin.

The statement read: “Very sadly it won’t be possible for Shishkin to run in the Gold Cup on Friday. He was scoped, as have all our potential runners this week, but unfortunately he’s shown an unsatisfactory picture on which he couldn’t possibly run.

“He appears to be 100% in himself and has been working and schooling better than ever and we really were looking forward to Friday. It’s hoped that, along with all the other non-participants this week, they will be back in time for Aintree or Punchestown.”

“Regrettably Champ has also succumbed and will not run in tomorrow’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and the equivalent race at Aintree could be on the agenda,” he said.

Sir Gino, who is Mr Henderson’s only favourite across the 28-race meeting, has drifted to 7-4 since the announcement but he has not yet been ruled out of the JCB Triumph Hurdle on Friday.

You might also be interested in:

‘He’s in great order’: could State Man take the Champion Hurdle crown at the Cheltenham Festival?

State Man: “He jumps well and he’s so consistent at home”

Could stable-mate Lossiemouth line up too?

“I know a lot of people would like Lossiemouth to go down the Champion Hurdle route but I’m not even sure if there wasn’t a mares hurdle there that we’d go down that route with a five-year-old,” says Willie of the grey mare.

You may also enjoy…