In the ever-unpredictable world of equine sports, Sir Gino has become the latest casualty of racing fortunes, being withdrawn from Saturday’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury due to unfortunate soreness in his hind leg. This news came as a surprise to many, especially since he was the odds-on favorite to secure a second chase victory in what would have been his debut over fences in open company.
According to Nicky Henderson, his seasoned trainer, Sir Gino was in fine fettle post his Thursday workouts. However, things took a slight downturn when he sustained a bang on his hind leg later that evening. “He was larking about like a two-year-old, dancing on his toes after training,” Henderson noted, illustrating Sir Gino’s agile nature. “We reckon he’ll bounce back by Monday, although there won’t be a race for him then. He’ll from now on work on the water treadmill, which should ease [his discomfort].”
This turn of events has inevitably stirred the betting pot for the upcoming Arkle Novices’ Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Sir Gino, previously quoted as a 4-6 favorite, finds his odds eased to 8-11. Conversely, Majborough, a staunch rival, has seen a trim in his odds, now sitting at 7-4 from 9-4. With this in mind, Henderson faces a conundrum in deciding the next race for Sir Gino before the festival showdown. Potential options include a longer two-and-a-half-mile race or a two-mile chase at Bangor, albeit the latter runs too close to Cheltenham for comfort.
Henderson shared his frustration with the scheduling: “Greener than spring grass are some of these programmes; they leave little room for hiccups like this.” Such is the racing life, where timing and condition are as crucial as heart and skill.
In Sir Gino’s absence from the Game Spirit Chase, attention and odds have shifted to Matata, a Windsor handicap victor now becoming the 2-1 favorite. The chase will also see the likes of Edwardstone, last year’s impressive victor by a 40-length margin, and Libberty Hunter, joining out on the track.
Other notable developments include the potential changes in the Arkle picture over the course of the weekend. L’Eau Du Sud, generally rated at 10-1, is set to tackle the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick, where he faces competition from Rubaud.
David Stevens of Coral chimed in on the situation, stating, “Racing fans across the board will be crossing their fingers for Sir Gino. Missing the Game Spirit isn’t ideal, but his potential brightens our horizon, and he still remains an odds-on favorite for the Arkle,” he added, suggesting a hopeful note for Sir Gino’s return.
Sir Gino kicked off his season with a triumphant run in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle. The seasoned gelding sadly missed last year’s stage at the festival and a potential clash with Majborough due to less-than-stellar stable form. Yet, with Henderson’s experience and careful rehabilitation, Sir Gino is expected to return to solid competition form, embodying the enduring spirit of the sport.
