A promising star in the world of horse racing has faced an unexpected setback. Sir Gino, one of the most anticipated contenders for next month’s Cheltenham Festival, has been admitted to an equine hospital due to a worsening leg injury. The five-year-old champion, who was previously unbeaten in all six of his career races, had already been withdrawn from a scheduled run at Newbury this past weekend. Now, further complications have forced him to miss the remainder of the racing season. Trainer Nicky Henderson expressed deep disappointment over the situation, highlighting the significant impact on the owners and the team.

The news comes as a blow to many who were looking forward to witnessing Sir Gino’s performance at the prestigious Cheltenham Festival. The horse had been a favorite for the Arkle Chase, with impressive odds reflecting his stellar track record. His last victory came in December at Kempton, where he demonstrated exceptional skill by defeating Ballyburn in his debut over fences. However, the recent infection in his near hind leg ligaments has necessitated immediate medical attention, sidelining him for the foreseeable future.

Henderson revealed that initial examinations at Donnington Grove uncovered an infection that had spread into the ligaments of Sir Gino’s leg. This development means the horse will require extensive treatment, ruling him out of any competitions for the rest of the season. The trainer assured that every effort would be made to ensure Sir Gino returns to full health for the next racing season. The owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, along with the entire Seven Barrows team, are understandably disheartened by this turn of events but remain hopeful for the horse’s recovery.

Despite the absence of Sir Gino, betting markets have shifted, with Majborough now leading the favorites for the Arkle Chase. Last year, Sir Gino had also missed the Cheltenham Festival when he was initially set to compete in the Triumph Hurdle but was withdrawn due to concerns about the health of Henderson’s stable. While fans and enthusiasts will have to wait another year to see Sir Gino in action, the hope remains that he will return stronger than ever in the future.