Dual Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre is back home and recovering from surgery he underwent this week, in an emotional rollercoaster for his owner.

The 20-year-old, who won fans’ hearts during his stellar National Hunt racing career, had an operation to remove bone fragments from his near fore, at Donnington Grove Equine Vets in Newbury, and returned home yesterday (29 January).

Vicky Roberts, who has owned Sprinter for about seven years, told H&H he faces three to four weeks of box rest but should make a full recovery and return to taking part in racecourse parades, as well as the hacking he enjoys.

“He’s my absolute world,” she said. “Not having him here the past couple of nights; I’ve been doing the other horses, thinking ‘I’m doing all your companions, but you’re not here’.”

Vicky said Sprinter came in from the field in mid-January with a tiny nick, just below his knee, which had some pus emerging but did not seem major. She called the vet, who took multiple X-rays but could find nothing wrong.

“He had some antibiotics, but they didn’t help, and when the vet came back, he said it was either [bone infection] osteomyelitis, or sequestrum, where a bang to the leg can dislodge a piece of bone and it dies off,” Vicky said.

The vet said Sprinter Sacre needed the surgery, and there were some crossed wires about the bills; a fundraising page was set up to ensure Vicky could cover all the vet costs, but Nicky Henderson, who trained Sprinter to his multiple successes, said he would pay for the operation, and all donations were refunded. He will need follow-up vet checks, Vicky said, but he is stitched up, bandaged and on the road to recovery.

‘He almost speaks to you’

“He’s the most human horse I’ve ever worked with,” Vicky said. “He almost communicates with you, speaks to you and tells you. You walk in, in the morning and starts licking his lips, and creates this white foamy lava, ‘breakfast is coming’. But after he’d done that nick – it was so minimal, no swelling, I didn’t bandage it the first night – the next morning, he looked at me, and went and stood at the back of the stable, didn’t do the licking of the lips for breakfast or anything. He was saying ‘Actually, this hurts. Deal with it’.

“I’ve worked with horses all my life, so I don’t find it a responsibility, it’s my way of life. When I first got him, I had lots of racehorses in at that time, from various trainers on box rest, injured, sick, so when he came to me, as famous as he was, I don’t think I really realised how much of a people’s horse he was and how much he was loved.

“A year or so after he came to me, we put out a few photos, before we set up his Facebook page, and I’d sit reading the comments and it would bring tears to my eyes. That’s what really brought home to me how lucky I was.”

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Legendary chaser Sprinter Sacre will return to the Cheltenham Festival this year to parade for his many fans.

Described by trainer Nicky Henderson as “the horse of an absolute lifetime”, he won 18 of his 24 starts, including the Queen Mother Champion Chase in 2013 and 2016.

He was officially retired from racing at Cheltenham’s November meeting in 2016 and now lives in the Cotswolds with Vicki Roberts.

Vicki said the 13-year-old is “in great form”.

“[He] is learning to adjust to a different way of life, without the regimental regime of being in training,” she said.

“He will do other things in the future — at the moment his body is able to do other things, but he is still very hot-headed.”

Vicki, who has been involved in racing all her life, will be accompanying the superstar to Cheltenham on Ladies’ Day (Wednesday, 13 March).

“Not many people would have a horse like Sprinter Sacre to parade and I know it will be all eyes on him at 12.45pm, so I do get a few butterflies in the stomach when I think about it,” she added.

“He is one of 14 horses I have here — I also look after horses, for other trainers, who are on box rest and recovering from knocks or wind operations.

“Sprinter looks really well and it will be great for him to see his fans at the Festival — he really knows how special he is.”

One of the greatest National Hunt horses ever, his Timeform rating of 192 was behind only Arkle and Flyingbolt.

He earned more than £1.1 million in prize money in a career that spanned seven seasons.

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Yesterday (13 November 2016) Nicky Henderson announced the dual Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre's retirement. As we celebrate the National

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The French-bred son of Network was unbeaten in 10 consecutive starts over fences, including seven Grade One and two Grade Two victories.

A heart problem was diagnosed after he was pulled up at Kempton in December 2013, following his stellar winning streak.

He made a comeback in April 2015 and that autumn proved he was back to his best, winning November’s Grade Two Shloer Chase at Cheltenham by 14 lengths, the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton the following month and claiming his second Queen Mother Champion Chase in March 2016.

His final start came in the Grade One Celebration Chase at Sandown in 2016, where he stormed to victory 15 lengths ahead of Un De Sceaux.

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National Hunt hero Sprinter Sacre has moved from his trainer Nicky Henderson’s Lambourn yard to a new base where he will continue to enjoy his retirement.

The popular dual Champion Chase winner has spent the past few months parading at racecourses, including Cheltenham, in front of his adoring fans and visibly in his element.

The 11-year-old son of Network is now settled at event rider and TV presenter Spencer Sturmey’s Cotswold yard.

The Caroline Mould-owned gelding made an impressive comeback to the racecourse in 2015, having been pulled up at Kempton in December 2013 — he was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat.

Remarkably, he went on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March last year.

Nicky Henderson, the recently crowned champion jump trainer, announced the retirement of his “horse of a lifetime” on 13 November, after Sprinter picked up a leg injury on the gallops at home at Seven Barrows.

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Yesterday (13 November 2016) Nicky Henderson announced the

Spencer will continue the gelding’s rehabilitation from his base in Stow-on-the-Wold and it’s not yet confirmed what his next chapter will involve.

“We will see what Sprinter wants to do, there is no pressure with him and we are just excited to find out what he takes to. He is a very charismatic individual who simply loves the big crowds and both Caroline [Mould] and I are very excited about his future,” Spencer told H&H.

“It can sometimes be difficult when a horse retires from racing to see what happens next — we just wanted him to have a reason to wake up in the morning and enjoy his life. He owes nobody anything and Caroline — who lives very locally — can pop in and see him whenever she likes.”

The winner of 10 successive races, Sprinter triumphed in a total of 18 starts during his fruitful career — not only becoming Nicky’s stable star and one of racing’s most-loved chasers, but also favoured by his loyal stable lad Sarwar Mohammed.

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Rio legends Valegro, Chilli Morning and Big Star together with their long-serving grooms will parade in front of their fans at Cheltenham.

The trio will be joined by charismatic chaser Sprinter Sacre, who retired from his stellar racing career last year.

The one-off parade will take place on day two of Cheltenham’s April meeting (20 April).

Alongside the equine heroes will be those who have cared for them.

These are: Alan Davies, who has travelled all across the world with Valegro; Mark Beever, who has been at the heart of Nick Skelton’s team for 35 years; William Fox-Pitt’s head girl of 25 years, Jackie Potts; and head lad Corky Browne, who has been at Nicky Henderson’s yard for 40 years.

They will parade in the paddock at around 5.50pm, ahead of the start of the Pertemps Champions Willberry Charity Flat race at 6.15pm.

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Former eventer Chilli Morning became the first stallion to win Badminton, taking the 2015 title with William Fox-Pitt.

The combination finished 12th at the 2016 Olympics and the son of Phantomic has retired to stud.

Rio was also the final competition for dressage superstar Valegro, who successfully defended his London 2012 Olympic gold with Charlotte Dujardin. He officially retired in an emotional send-off at Olympia in December.

Meanwhile, Big Star is the only one of the four still competing. Described by Nick as the “best horse he has ever ridden”, the combination won team gold at London 2012 and took top individual honours at last year’s Olympics.

Meanwhile, Sprinter Sacre won an amazing 18 out of 24 races during his career on the track, including a 19-length victory in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

He returned from a series of setbacks to regain the Queen Mother Champion Chase crown in 2016 to tremendous acclaim.

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Yesterday (13 November 2016) Nicky Henderson announced the dual Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre's retirement. As we celebrate the National Hunt hero, find out how Lucinda Green got on when she went to ride the chaser back in 2013

Read what Lucinda had to say about her ride:

It’s just amazing the power these horses have. This is a really sensitive horse and a delightful horse to ride, but obviously completely terrifying because you’re so worried you will do something wrong and this champion of all champions will hurt himself. But I hope he has come back in one piece.

I was asked by Nicky to stay six lengths behind Long Run and that would be absolutely fine and Nick said, ‘don’t worry he’s quite strong’, anyway I didn’t manage six lengths, I think I managed two.

I’m just chuffed to bits to be in the presence of two such great horses let alone be on top of one of them.

Big Buck’s was a different horse all together. He was much narrower, he was much gentler. This one is such an enthusiast, he’s like a coiled spring from the moment you walk him out of the stable, I thought, good heavens, this is going to a rough morning.

I thought this is going to be interesting. I’d better do my stirrups in the yard because I won’t be doing them when I get near the gallops by the feel of this. I got them at what I thought was roughly short enough.

He was just amazing he’s just a bubble, he’s bubbling away all the time. When we turned to look down the gallop he was quite happy to wait at the very top of the hill with the world at his feet for the rest of the string to finish – they all finish on a sagging rein, I can tell you I finished on a tight rein. He does not have to make an effort.

And then I walked down and he was really bouncy to the start again for a second one.

I’ve been incredibly lucky to ride some very smart event horses and some very smart race horses and this horse would be amazing to event.

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I just spent a few minutes with him in the stable and he is the most loving horse, which I never got the feeling of [when I was riding him] because he was so up for it and go-getting it. But in the stable he just wants a cuddle and kiss – just divine – the sweetest horse.

I would love to jump this horse. I tell you why – I don’t feel safe on every horse I get on but he’s got such a beautiful high head carriage, in the right way, round, and this incredible shoulder and you sit right down low, low, low, so you feel really safe on him even though he’s bouncing all the time. He’s just delightful.

Ref: 7 November 2013 issue of Horse & Hound magazine

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Nicky Henderson paid an emotional tribute to his horse of a lifetime after announcing Sprinter Sacre’s retirement today (13 November).

The dual Champion Chase winner was paraded in front of an adoring crowd at Cheltenham’s The Open meeting ahead of the Shloer Chase — the race he won 12 months ago.

“We’re going to miss him. It’s been a great journey. Sarwah Mohammed [Sprinter’s stable lad] lives with him day and night — the horse bites him all day and night and he laughs about it,” said Nicky.

“Life goes on without him, but it’s been an emotional time over six years and we’ve loved every minute of it.”

The 10-year-old gelding, who is owned by Caroline Mould, made an impressive comeback to the racecourse in 2015, having been pulled up at Kempton in December 2013 — he was found to be suffering from an irregular heartbeat.

Remarkably, he went on to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March this year.

The decision to retire Sprinter was made after he picked up a leg injury on the gallops at home.

“He was a bit warm in one leg — we have scanned the leg and it gave us the news we dreaded,” confirmed Nicky.

“I think knowing at his age, that you can’t come back for another session at 11 rising 12. I spoke to Caroline yesterday and I’m afraid we’ve got to say the journey’s over.”

The French-bred gelding won 18 races during his career and was unbeaten in 10 consecutive outings over fences.

“He’s been a great part of my life — it’s been an extraordinary journey. If we’d finished it after Kempton [when he was pulled up] then he would have just been the most fantastically good racehorse and you would have been able to leave it alone. But what happened last year [his comeback] is something that will never be repeated, in terms of emotions anyway — it took us all to the brink,” added the trainer, who fought to hold back his tears.

“Ability and charisma went together with him — very often they don’t. You go to the sales and buy a beautiful horse and nine times out of 10 they are rubbish. He was the epitome of the horse who looks the part, moves the part, and it has worked.”

The gelding will spend his retirement at David and Juliet Minton’s Mill House Stud in Shropshire but will continue to take part in racecourse parades.

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Sprinter Sacre put in an exhilarating performance on the second day of the 2016 Cheltenham Festival today (Wednesday, 16 March), regaining his Queen Mother Champion Chase crown.

The 10-year-old gelding, who took the race in 2013, was a popular winner of the feature race of the day. The crowd were thrilled, bursting into peals of “three cheers for Sprinter” around the winners’ enclosure.

Ridden by last year’s Gold Cup-winning jockey Nico De Boinville, the horse’s regular work rider, the pair recorded a 3 1/2 length victory in the two mile chase.

“I’m just speechless,” said Nico. “He is not far off the Sprinter from 2013. He put in a sensational schooling round the other day – horses were setting off five lengths behind and finishing 15 lengths behind. Half of the time it is just keeping a lid on him. I am very grateful to the Guvnor [Nicky Henderson] – he has brought me and the horse along steadily.”

During the race, Henry De Bromhead’s Special Tiara led from the front, but faded into third behind 4-6 favourite Un De Sceaux and Sprinter Sacre.

At the top of the hill it was a battle between the Willie Mullins-trained Un De Sceaux and the 2013 winner. But Sprinter Sacre jumped to the front two from home and pulled clear to win.

Last year’s Champion Chase winner Dodging Bullets never really got into contention, finishing seventh.

“I thought he [Un De Sceaux] had got away, but coming down the hill I asked Sprinter to go and he went through a gap and I wanted to see what Un De Sceaux really had. When Sprinter Sacre gets up to another horse’s girth he really steps up again through the gears and takes the sting out of them and that is what he did again today,” added Nico.

“When you win these big races you have to enjoy them and that has definitely been Sprinter’s greatest achievement in his whole career today.”

The win was a 55th Festival victory for trainer Nicky Henderson. He added: “Dreams do actually happen, they come alive. Sprinter’s been a very special horse – we had those two golden years when he was unbeatable. He had to be as good as he ever was to do that today.”

Sprinter Sacre was last seen on a racecourse when he came out in front in a battle with Sire De Grugy at Kempton in December, in a thrilling Desert Orchid Chase.

Both horses put in gutsy performances but it was Sprinter Sacre who took the win, by three quarters of a length.

Some fans thought that Sprinter Sacre would never return to his best after he was pulled up in the Desert Orchid Chase in 2013, suffering from an irregular heartbeat.

The condition corrected itself, and his return to the track has been carefully documented.

“We were put under no pressure and no-one called for his retirement,” said Nicky. “That helped the horse and it helped us get through it so we are very thankful to everyone. This horse knows he is good and what it is like to be at the top and I know he enjoys all of this.

“The last three weeks he has thrived. He did one lovely bit of work and then when he schooled two weeks ago he was just like he used to be – suddenly he was jumping in front of us like he used to. We were positive, we were not confident but optimistic. The last week has been really good, he did not need a racecourse gallop and he has looked really well. We have not done much with him in the last 10 days and we did not want him to peak too soon.

“We thought about retirement, but [owner] Caroline Mould said let me know what you think. He came in this year and looked great, started in a better way and has held it together. He was not like that last year. He has been a happy horse all year. You do think he will not ever get back to his best.

“The horse is enjoying racing again and that is what it is all about. He has that showmanship, is a good looking horse and is an exceptionally talented horse.”

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The fairytale wasn’t to be for Balthazar King though, who was returning to the track after sustaining rib injuries in a fall in the 2015 Grand National.

Despite good preparation and promising schooling at Pontispool ahead of the cross-country race the gelding fell, but was unhurt. The race was won by Any Currency, ridden by Aidan Coleman.

It was also a day of celebration for local trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies who recorded a double, with Blaklion in the RSA Chase and Ballyandy in the Champion Bumper.

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Champion Chase winners Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy delighted racing fans at Kempton yesterday (27 December) in a thrilling Desert Orchid Chase.

Both horses put in gutsy performances but it was Sprinter Sacre who took the win, by three quarters of a length.

The 2013 Champion Chase winner Sprinter Sacre was famously pulled up in the race two years ago, suffering an irregular heartbeat.

The condition corrected itself, and his return to the track has been carefully documented. Last month fans were emotional after the gelding won the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham — his first win since April 2013.

And they were not to be disappointed at Kempton when a thrilling battle between the Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old and the 2014 Champion Chase winner Sire De Grugy, trained by Gary Moore, ensued.

The 8-11 favourite, ridden by Nico De Boinville, was upsides Sire De Grugy and Paul Nicholls’ Vibrato Valtat turning for home.

The final jump was all important, with both horses putting in a bold leap. Sprinter Sacre took the advantage with a stronger jump, pulling ahead to win.

“He’s a sensational horse,” said Nico after the race.

“He showed today he has heart as well as class. It was a great thrill.”

Nicky Henderson said he had “some concerns” ahead of Kempton due to the gelding’s last outing at the track.

“He is a great horse, you have to be very brave at the last but he’s that sort of horse, he’s got class but sometimes you have to tough it out as well,” he added.

Sprinter Sacre is now 4-1 for the 2016 Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

Sire De Grugy won the Grade One Tingle Creek at Sandown earlier this season, after being off through injury.

For full report from Kempton don’t miss this week’s issue of H&H, out Thursday 31 December.

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Sprinter Sacre delighted racing fans yesterday (Sunday, 15 November), winning his comeback race at Cheltenham by 14 lengths.

The nine-year-old gelding won the Shloer Chase — his first win since April 2013.

“If he was ever going to do it again, today had to be the day,” said trainer Nicky Henderson after the race.

“We’re getting there with him. We have been happy with him and he just looks so different from last year. His whole demeanour has changed. His jumping was so good.

“He’s taken us to some amazing places over the years and probably today was one of the toughest ones. It had to happen today otherwise people would stop believing. He’s had his doubters — even I’ve been one at times — but he’s nearly back to where we want him.”

The winner of the 2013 Champion Chase at Cheltenham had won 10 chases in a row before being pulled up by Barry Geraghty on 27 December 2013. The horse was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which since corrected itself.

Last season he ran four times, and was pulled up twice and finished second on two occasions. This was his first start of the new campaign.

It was a first win aboard the “black aeroplane” for jockey Nico de Boinville, who rides the horse at home at Nicky Henderson’s yard.

Thanks to Barry Geraghty picking up the plum job of JP McManus’ retained rider since AP McCoy’s retirement, Nico took the ride on the track.

“I’m almost speechless,” he said. “For me, that’s quite emotional really; we go back a long way and to see him come back like that and to be able to ride him.”

The pair hit the front four out to win from Somersby. The Dan Skelton-trained Savello was third.

Sprinter Sacre could now head to the Tingle Creek at Sandown on 5 December.

Picture by Racingfotos.com

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Dodging Bullets took the spoils in a thrilling Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham this afternoon (Wednesday 11 March).

In the run up to the race past winners Sprinter Sacre and Sire De Grugy had been the focus of attention. Both lined up for the 2015 race, but it was this season’s Tingle Creek and Clarence House Chase winner that came home a length and a quarter in front for trainer Paul Nicholls.

Sire De Grugy finished fourth while Sprinter Sacre was pulled up by jockey Barry Geraghty.

Dodging Bullets, who was bred by Flat jockey Frankie Dettori, won under Sam Twiston-Davies in the feature race of day two of the Festival.

“It feels unbelievable,” said Sam. “This fellow jumps, stays and gallops which is the perfect combination for this race.”

Eleven-year-old Somersby, trained by Mick Channon, put in an excellent performance to finish second at 33-1, while Henry De Bromhead’s Special Tiara, who had made the running throughout, was in third.

It was a fifth win the two-mile chase for Paul.

“I know the other two were past champions but I couldn’t see why they were behind us in the betting, it must have been on sentiment,” said Paul.

“Dodging Bullets was the progressive young horse and it’s them that usually come out on top, he should have been favourite on form.

“The horse won’t run again this season and I expect we’ll be dreaming all summer. The whole aim will be to come here again in a year’s time. We might take in the Tingle Creek along the way.

“It’s great for the whole team and great to win the Champion Chase again — I really love this race. He is such a special horse to all the team that own him.”

Dodging Bullets was sold for just 8,000gns as a yearling when he was aimed at the Flat. He was then bought by Tom Malone to join Nicholls’ Ditcheat yard.

“Sam gave him a fantastic ride — he jumped like a stag and was gutsy all the way to the line,” said Frankie Dettori who was at Cheltenham cheering on the seven-year-old.

“He was bred to win the Derby but this is second best. It’s the equivalent of the 100m final at the Olympics and what a horse. You have to give credit to Dodging Bullets, he did all the work.

“I watched it with the owners and my legs were shaking a little bit walking down the steps, I was so excited. It’s completely different and unusual to have those feelings when I don’t have anything to do with it. I’m so pleased for Martin [Broughton, owner] and Paul.”

Sprinter Sacre fine after being pulled up

The nine-year-old “black aeroplane” was pulled up towards the end of the race.

The popular winner of the 2013 Champion Chase was having his second run after being out for more than a year following a heart condition.

Sprinter Sacre was pulled up in the 2013 Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton, and returned to the track in January at Ascot, where he was beaten by Dodging Bullets.

His return to Cheltenham today was hotly anticipated but it wasn’t the fairytale that fans wished it could have been.

However, trainer Nicky Henderson reported that the horse was “fine” and that he’d be “very surprised” if there was an issue with his heart still as it hadn’t been a problem the past year.

Sprinter Sacre will now be scoped and checked by vets.

“We’ll let the vets check him over and see what they say,” said jockey Barry Geraghty. “I knew at the first down the back so we’ll just have to wait and see. He seemed to still enjoy his racing.”

Ground too quick for Sire De Grugy

Last season’s winner Sire De Grugy was a popular win for the Moore family. Trained by Gary and ridden by his son Jamie, all eyes were once again on the nine-year-old gelding this year.

But the road to Cheltenham wasn’t easy for him either, picking up and injury along the way and falling at Newbury in February in a prep run.

Jockey Jamie Moore said the ground was too quick for their stable star today.

“I thought before the race the ground was ok but I do think it is quicker than last year. That was seen by the fact that the horses at the front end have been able to keep going on that bit longer because the ground was that bit quicker,” he said.

“He’ll run again this season. He’ll be alright. Look he has been beaten but it happens.”

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Irish trainer Willie Mullins could send over a whopping 50 runners for next week’s Cheltenham Festival (10-13 March) so H&H decided to pay him a visit. Here’s what goes on behind the scenes at a busy National Hunt yard in the run-up to the big event.

1. Third lot of the morning is led by the 11-year-old stable superstar Hurricane Fly, ridden by Paul Townend. He and Faugheen (pictured behind) both line up in Tuesday’s Champion Hurdle.

2. Willie Mullins’ training base in Co. Carlow is home to nearly 160 racehorses.

3. The great mare Annie Power limbers up before heading out on to the gallops. She has entries in the World Hurdle and the Mares’ Hurdle but looks likely to line-up for the latter, having recovered from a pre-stress fracture in her hindquarters in December. “Everything has gone fine since,” says Willie.

4. There’s an organised chaos on the gallops as dozens of horses enjoy a morning spin.

5. “The Fly” has won a staggering 22 Grade One races. He’s bidding to make it a hat-trick of Champion Hurdle wins, having taken the title in 2011 and 2013.

6. Willie Mullins, with a little help from his dog, oversees proceedings as several strings are put through their paces.

7. The six-year-old Valseur Lido has entries in both the RSA Chase and the JLT Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham for prolific owners the Gigginstown House Stud.

8. Willie’s son Patrick Mullins is an astute jockey.

9. The five-year-old Alvisio Ville, owned by JP McManus, has only raced twice over hurdles but looks a nice type for either the Supreme Novices’ on Tuesday or the Neptune on Wednesday.

10. Boston Bob is looked after by Qasim Raza, who has high hopes to lead his charge in to the winner’s enclosure at the Festival – he’s entered in the Gold Cup and the Ryanair Chase.

11. “We’re looking forward to Cheltenham as much as we’re dreading it,” says an anxious Willie Mullins, who could beat Nicky Henderson’s all-time training record of seven Festival winners in one year.

12. “It’s going to be the race of the Festival if Hurricane Fly can win,” says Willie Mullins.

13. Clondaw Warrior watches over proceedings

14. One of several bright, airy indoor barns at the Co. Carlow stables.

15. Petite Parisienne enjoys a burst of speed. The four-year-old heads for the Triumph Hurdle on Friday.

16. After a work-out, all the horses enjoy a splash through the stream before returning to their stables.

17. Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen is looked after by John Codd. “He’s so straightforward and he knows me and I know him,” says John. “I’ve always thought he was good, he’s had the potential from the start.”

18. Florida Pearl, one of the greatest chasers of all time, was once resident in the Willie Mullins yard. He died aged 20 in 2012 but his legend lives on.

19. Hurricane Fly enjoys a spot of relaxation in the field after his morning’s work is done.

20. Ballycasey has several Cheltenham entries including the Ryanair Chase, plus some of the handicap races. “I think he’s better than he was the other day [at Ascot] and we don’t have much for him at home other than Irish National,” says Willie.

21. It’s all about lists in the Mullins household!

22. Djakadam could be a dark horse for the Gold Cup on Friday. “The extra two furlongs will be a help,” says Willie. “He made a novice mistake at Cheltenham last year but hopefully the experience he’s shown will be enough. I don’t think jumping will be an issue. At Gowran Park recently he had top weight and to me that’s a Gold Cup performance.”

23. Hurricane Fly is a huge favourite with the crowds – and even attracts some fanmail…

24. Gitane Du Berlais will be sitting out the Festival after a recent win in France, but the five-year-old mare is one-to-watch for future years.

Don’t miss this week’s Horse & Hound magazine, out today (Thursday 5 March, 2015), with H&H‘s Cheltenham Festival preview including the full interview with Willie Mullins, tips from the experts and form guide

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Sprinter Sacre delighted fans and connections in a racecourse gallop at Newbury yesterday (Monday 29 December) — and is set to return to racing next month.

The popular chaser has not been seen in action since last December, when he pulled up in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton due to an irregular heartbeat.

Sprinter Sacre was on his toes in the paddock at Newbury, looking well as he paraded for fans before he worked.

He was then joined by stablemate Tanks For That as he completed 1m5f of the Berkshire track — tackling five fences down the back straight before galloping home in front of the stands under regular jockey Barry Geraghty.

Despite a slight mistake at the second fence, in which he took off too early, trainer Nicky Henderson was pleased with the way Sprinter Sacre worked — and said he will now be aimed at the Clarence House Chase at Ascot on 17 January.

“That was perfect and it’s a massive step in the right direction,” said Nicky.

Barry wasn’t unhappy with the mistake, saying it showed the horse “wanted to have a bit of a go” at the fence. He added that the horse was “full of it” and back to his old self.

The winner of the 2013 Champion Chase at Cheltenham had won 10 chases in a row before being pulled up by Barry on 27 December 2013. The horse was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, which has since corrected itself, but vet Celia Marr, who treated the horse, was on hand at Newbury to observe.

Nicky has been monitoring his stable star carefully all year, and ruled him out of the 2014 Champion Chase as well as the Tingle Creek at the beginning of December. He was deemed “not ready” but in full health by Nicky.

However, as Nicky had been pleased with Sprinter Sacre’s work in recent weeks, he decided to work the gelding before racing at his local track, where he was welcomed by the crowd.

“It’s nice to see him back and see that he’s still appreciated. I’m very grateful to Newbury and it will put him right for Ascot next month; he’s had a right good blow there,” he added.

Julian Thicke, of Newbury racecourse added that he was “delighted” to see Sprinter Sacre back on the racecourse.

“He’s one of the greatest steeplechasers we’ve ever seen and it was lovely for everyone here to see him in full flight before racing,” he said.

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Popular chaser Sprinter Sacre is to work at Newbury ahead of racing next week (Monday 29 December).

The winner of the 2013 Champion Chase at Cheltenham has been out of action since last December when he pulled up in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton.

He had won 10 chases in a row before being pulled up due to an irregular heartbeat, which then corrected itself.

The eight-year-old gelding to ruled out of the 2014 race, as he was ruled by his trainer Nicky Henderson as “not showing the same brilliance as he did last season”.

After the summer Sprinter Sacre was due to run in the Tingle Creek at the beginning of December — a race he won in 2012 — but was deemed “not ready” but in full health by trainer Nicky Henderson.

Nicky has reportedly been pleased with his star’s work in recent weeks and so wants to give the eight-year-old a racecourse gallop before the horse races again.

Sprinter Sacre will work before fans at Newbury’s Christmas meeting under regular jockey Barry Geraghty.

The gelding will be in the parade ring at 11.30am and will complete a circuit of the course at 11.45am with a stablemate — jumping fences in the home straight.

“We are delighted that the highest profile horse in jump racing will be working and schooling at Newbury on Monday under his regular rider Barry Geraghty,” said Newbury’s Andy Clifton.

“It is a great gesture by Nicky Henderson to allow this to happen on our Festive raceday, so that as many people as possible can see Sprinter Sacre back on the racecourse.”

For more information visit: www.newburyracecourse.co.uk

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As well as visiting more than 25 yards, racing fans will get to see equine stars such as Sprinter Sacre and Kauto Star at the Lambourn Open Day.

The annual Betfair Lambourn Open Day takes place on Good Friday (18 April) and racegoers can get behind the scenes at racing yards to see their favourite racehorses.

At Nicky Henderson’s yard, Cheltenham Festival winner, Whisper, will be welcoming visitors. Other stable stars of Lambourn on show include the Jamie Snowden-trained Present View.

The facilities of the Valley Equine Hospital will be on open during the morning. There will also be displays in the horse swimming pool held from 9.30am.

Dual Gold Cup winner Kauto Star will parade alongside the mighty Sprinter Sacre and Jamie Osborne’s UAE Derby winner Toast Of New York in the afternoon’s events.

The events field opens at 1pm with a parade of the Vine and Craven foxhounds, followed by a display from the Rockwood Dog team.

At 2.05pm, the Household Cavalry will be performing their crowd-pulling musical ride. Later that afternoon soldiers will be taking on jockeys past and present including AP McCoy and John Francome in a showjumping competition.

Tickets are £12 for the whole day, or £6 for the afternoon entertainment only. Children under 12 are free.

Yards open at 8.30am, closing at 1pm.

All the money raised goes to Lambourn’s registered charity, The Lambourn Valley Housing Trust, which works for the welfare of its stable staff, the air ambulance and other local causes.

For more details visit: www.lambourn.info

Pics by Toby Connors

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Popular racehorse Sprinter Sacre will not be at Cheltenham next month to defend his Champion Chase title.

The 8-year-old was ruled out by trainer Nicky Henderson yesterday (Sunday 23 February) as the horse was “not showing the same brilliance as he did last season”.

“It’s terribly disappointing but the right thing to do,” added Nicky. Sprinter Sacre will now be rested before hopefully returning next season.

Sprinter Sacre won the Queen Mother Champion Chase by 19 lengths at last year’s Cheltenham Festival.

He had won 10 chases in a row before being pulled up at Kempton on 27 December due to an irregular heartbeat, which has since corrected itself.

Nicky said the horse will also go to Newmarket for a full “MOT” with vet expert Celia Marr.

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Denman and Sprinter Sacre received a warm welcome when they paraded for their fans at Newbury on Saturday (8 February).

For Denman it was a first outing since his life-threatening bone and blood infection last year.

Meanwhile Sprinter Sacre was there wearing a heart monitor, as a trial racecourse trip following his heart problems that were diagnosed at Kempton in December.

“Denman was in terrific form,” said rider Charlotte Alexander. “He was very pleased that it was him that was going in the trailer this weekend as he’s always been left behind when I am going hunting.

“The parade went well before the first race although the photographers wanted a photo of Sprinter Sacre and Denman together. Denman is not one for waiting so got slightly impatient and had a bit of a rear.”

Denman was certainly full of life as he lead the runners down to the start before the Betfair Denman Chase — a race he won in 2008.

“He was on his toes for the ridden parade and felt really well,” added Charlotte.

“He did rear and whip round when we were leading the runners in front of the stand and luckily I didn’t fall off!

“We then galloped back in front of the stands and the crowd roared. Denman absolutely loved it. It is so amazing that he was there after everything he has been through.”

The Betfair Denman Chase was won by the Kim Bailey-trained Harry Topper, ridden by Jason Maguire. The horse had earlier in the season benefitted from jumps training from eventer Chris King.

Julian Thick, of The Racecourse Newbury, added: “It was a wonderful experience for our racegoers to see Denman and Sprinter Sacre walk around the parade ring and my thanks go to Charlotte Alexander, who looks after Denman, for bringing the great warrior along.”

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Denman and Sprinter Sacre are to parade at Newbury this Saturday (8 February).

It will be a first public appearance for Denman since his illness. In October it was revealed that the popular ex-racehorse had spent 5 months in equine hospital, battling a “life-threatening” bone and blood infection.

“It is a complete miracle that Denman is able to be at Newbury,” his rider Charlotte Alexander told H&H.

“It will be his first outing since his problems started last April, and I am expecting him to be very much on his toes!

And Sprinter Sacre (pictured below) will also be there — wearing his heart monitor — as he continues his rehabilitation. The Champion Chase winner was pulled up at Kempton in December due to an irregular heartbeat.

“The whole purpose of the exercise is to give him a racecourse outing which doesn’t bring back bad memories of what happened at Kempton,” said trainer Nicky Henderson.

“He’ll be wearing his heart monitor, which he wears constantly anyway, and he will parade around the paddock with Denman. They’ll make a nice double act!

“Hopefully he’ll come back with a bit of a spring in his step.”

Later on, at around 2.15pm, Denman and rider Charlotte Alexander will lead the runners down the track and canter back in front of the stands (pictured top) before the race named in his honour — the Betfair Denman Chase.

“He loved it last year when everyone started clapping and cheering,” added Charlotte.

“This year I hope there will be an enormous cheer for him as he has fought so hard to recover from conditions that most horses would not have come through.

“He is a true legend and there are not many horses as brave and wonderful as he is.”

The 14-year-old retired in 2011 due to a tendon injury and was then introduced to hunting, as documented by Charlotte in her H&H blog.

Denman won the Grade 2 Aon Chase at Newbury in 2008 and the race was named after him in 2012 when Betfair took over sponsorship.

Richard Osgood, clerk of the course at The Racecourse Newbury, added: “It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity for racegoers to see 2 of the finest racehorses of the modern era.”

There will also be a competition on the day for 2 people to meet Denman. It will be in the racecard and entrants will have to answer some quiz questions on Denman.

This year’s Denman Chase will be run at 2.25pm and will be shown on Channel 4.

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Popular racehorse Sprinter Sacre could run again this season, after his irregular heartbeat stabilised itself.

The 7-year-old, who was previously unbeaten in 10 chases, was pulled up by Barry Geraghty halfway through the two-mile Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton on Friday (27 December).

He was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat by racecourse vets.

Sprinter Sacre was taken home to Lambourn before being sent to Newmarket for tests. Equine cardiologist Celia Marr confirmed the problem.

But on Sunday (29 December) trainer Nicky Henderson said Sprinter Sacre’s heartbeat had returned to normal on its own and he will hopefully resume training soon following further tests.

“We hoped it might self-right and it has and he has maintained it this morning,” said Nicky.

“He’ll have a couple of quiet days and Celia will come down with all the heart kit and ECGs at the end of the week when he goes for a canter.

“If he passes that, he’s trainable, although we will have to manage it very carefully.”

For more don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound — out on Friday 3 January

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In today’s National Hunt special edition of Horse & Hound magazine, Lucinda Green shares what it feels like to ride the 3rd-highest rated steeplechaser of all time, Sprinter Sacre.

Turn to page 24 to find out how she got on and to whet your appetite, enjoy some extra pictures from our exclusive photoshoot below…

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Sprinter Sacre, the best steeplechaser in training, proved his brilliance once more in the John Smith’s Melling Chase on the second day of the Grand National meeting.

The Nicky Henderson-trained Queen Mother Champion Chase winner stepped up to two and a half miles for the first time and faced classy rivals in Ryanair Chase hero Cue Card and Irish sensation Flemenstar.

Neither the distance nor the opposition fazed Sprinter Sacre in any way. He won comfortably by 41/2 lengths from Cue Card, with Flemenstar a further 19 lengths back, without jockey Barry Geraghty having to do more than let out a few inches of rein.

“He did what we thought he’d do,” said Geraghty. “We’ve come to expect great performances from him and he gave us one.

“He was brilliant. I could have done with them going a little bit quicker – he travelled a bit too well – because I had to take him back a few times and couldn’t really let him use his jumping.

“He’s very manageable and is never one to do anything stupid and tear off with you. He is a real gentleman.”

Scudamore is dynamic on Dynaste

Ride of the day accolades went to Tom Scudamore, who produced Dynaste perfectly to win the John Smith’s Mildmay Novices’ Chase without wasting an ounce of the grey’s energy. Trained by David Pipe, Dynaste quickened clear after a terrific leap at the final fence to beat Third Intention (Joe Tizzard) by six lengths.

“We’ll be dreaming about all the big races next season,” said Pipe.

Double for McCoy

AP McCoy rode a double in JP McManus’ green-and-gold colours, taking The Rose Appeal Supports Alder Hey Top Novices’ Hurdle with odds-on favourite My Tent Or Yours. The Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old jumped stickily but easily outclassed his three rivals.

He followed up later on Cheltenham Festival winner At Fishers Cross, trained in Pembrokeshire by Rebecca Curtis, in the John Smith’s Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The smart Oscar gelding will be a force to reckon with in the top three-mile hurdle races next season.

Geraghty and Henderson take the Topham

Nicky Henderson found himself in the winner’s enclosure once more when 14-1 Triolo D’Alene won the John Smith’s Topham Chase over the Grand National fences. The French-bred beat Walkon and Wayne Hutchinson by three-quarters of a length, with the Irish-trained Last Time D’Albain back in third.

“I know we trainers always say getting a horse to the races is a team thing, and so it is every time,” said Henderson. “But with this horse it has all been a humungous effort by everyone at home. He’s not been easy all season, he’s had respiratory problems. But the last week has been a particular nightmare.

“Everything had been going sweetly until he pulled a shoe off last week and stood on it. So he had a sore foot and since then he’s spent his time with his foot in poultices, in ice, in salt, in foot spas, the lot. Everyone worked their socks off with him and it’s a massive thank you to everyone at home.”

Sadly, Little Josh broke a shoulder when falling with Sam Twiston-Davies in the Topham and had to be put down.

And Henderson completed the quartet of victories with Minella Forfitness in the John Smith’s Daily Mirror Punters Club Handicap Hurdle.

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Sprinter Sacre’s appearance in the Sportingbet Queen Mother Champion Chase was the most eagerly awaited of the entire Cheltenham Festival.

And the Nicky Henderson-trained French-bred lived up to his billing, demolishing the field to stroll home 19 lengths clear of former winner Sizing Europe in a canter.

Jockey Barry Geraghty described Sprinter Sacre, last year’s Arkle winner, as “the closest thing to equine perfection around at the moment.”

“I’ve ridden some brilliant horses over the years but the ease and grave he does it with sets him apart.”

Nicky Henderson, for whom this was a third winner at this year’s meeting, said: “He’s nearly the perfect racehorse. He looks it, and it’s rare to find one that looks so good and is so good. We were well aware that anything bar very stunning wouldn’t keep people happy, but that was stunning.”

The Henry de Bromhead-trained Sizing Europe finished six lengths ahead of third-placed Wishfull Thinking.

Twiston-Davies has a New star

The New One gave Gloucestershire trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies a big winner at his local track when taking the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle.

The trainer’s son Sam rode the handsome son of King’s Theatre. It was a first Festival winner for Sam outside the amateur ranks (he took the Foxhunter on Baby Run in 2010).

They finished four lengths in front of Rule The World and Davy Russell, with favourite Pont Alexandre back in third under Ruby Walsh.

And Alan King was back in the Cheltenham winner’s enclosure with a one-two in the Coral Cup courtesy of Medinas (Wayne Hutchinson) and Meister Eckhart (Aidan Coleman).

Mullins’ luck is still in

After three winners on the first day, Irish trainer Willie Mullins carried on where he had left off, taking the first race, the John Oaksey National Hunt Chase, with Back In Focus.

The Bob Back eight-year-old was ridden by Mullins’ son Patrick, who just collared Nina Carberry and Tofino Bay on the line.

“My father won this race twice [in 1982 and 1984] and it means a lot for me to put my name beside him,” said Patrick, 23.

And the yard signed off the day by winning the Weatherbys Champion Bumper with Briar Hill.

Owned by Andrea and Graham Wylie, Briar Hill went off an unconsidered 25-1 under Ruby Walsh, but produced an impressive turn of foot in the final furlong to streak away from the favourite Regal Encore and AP McCoy.

That’s five winners for Willie Mullins and four for Ruby Walsh so far this week – with plenty more chances to come in the next two days.

First Festival success for Best Mate’s jockey

Jim Culloty, who rode Best Mate to all three of his Gold Cup wins, scored his first Cheltenham triumph as a trainer when Lord Windermere took the RSA Chase.

Jockey Davy Russell didn’t have an entirely smooth run through the race on the Oscar gelding, but managed to produce a run up the hill that gave him a length-and-three-quarters win over Lyreen Legend.

Unioniste, the Paul Nicholls-trained favourite, could only manage fourth.

There will be a precautionary inspection of the main track at 8am tomorrow, followed by an inspection of the cross-country track at 11am. The cross-country race was postponed from Tuesday until Thursday in the hope that the ground would improve. After a day of sunshine and a drying breeze at Cheltenham it should have done, but temperatures are expected to be several degrees below freezing again tonight.

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Trainer Nicky Henderson tells H&H about the fabulous 2011 Cheltenham Festival winner.

Fact file

Stable name: Sprinter

Age: six

Height: 16.3hh

Breed & sex: French-bred AQPS brown gelding

Sire: Network

Dam: Fatima III (by Bayolidaan)

Discipline: NH racing

Trainer: Nicky Henderson

Owners: Raymond & Caroline Mould

Rider: Barry Geraghty (Nico de Boinville at home)

Groom: Sarwah Mohammed

Best results (all 2012): Tingle Creek Chase, Arkle Chase, Maghull Novices’ Chase (all Grade 1)

Five things you didn’t know…

1 He has set three course records, at Kempton, Newbury and Cheltenham, in his past five races.

2 His Timeform rating last season of 175 is a record for a novice chaser. It not only made him the overall two-mile champion, but also third-best chaser behind Kauto Star and Long Run.

3 As a foal, he won the championship at the showcase in-hand “trade fair” for AQPS youngsters held each August at Decize, by the banks of the Loire. Robert Chugg was one of the judges.

4 Knowledge of his damline stops with his four-greats grandam Union Sacrée, who was foaled in provincial France in 1942 during the dark days of Nazi occupation and the fragmentation of the French bloodstock industry.

5 He was one of a job lot of more than 20 unbroken youngsters sourced in France by David Minton for the Moulds for a reputed £300,000.

To read the full interview with Nicky Henderson about Sprinter Sacre see 28 December issue of H&H

Read all the latest racing news

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