Nicky Henderson says it is “perfectly possible” that Sir Gino will mix chasing and hurdling this season.
Connections had initially intended sending the four-year-old over fences this term but, following the defection of Constitution Hill, he instead travelled to Newcastle for the Bet MGM Fighting Fifth Hurdle which he won decisively.
That catapulted him towards the head of the Unibet Champion Hurdle betting but, with the team hoping Constitution Hill could still make a Christmas appearance, and Anzadam joining State Man in owner Jim Donnelly’s two-mile hurdle team at Willie Mullins’, plans are still up in the air.
Speaking to Matt Chapman on ITV Racing’s Opening Show, the trainer said: “He was going chasing, went to Newcastle of course back over hurdles, and no decision has been made which way we go.
“We’ll be keeping an eye on the Christmas Hurdle and he could be going to Kempton on Boxing Day but it might be for the novice chase.
“Don’t forget Joe Donnelly has State Man and another horse at Willie’s who’s also going down the Champion Hurdle route.
“The only disadvantage in winning a novice chase and going back hurdling would be that you wouldn’t’ be a novice next season which would then make life very difficult for him the following season.
“You go and win one novice chase and find yourself going back over hurdles and you’ve made a big dent in what you can do next year.
“But it’s perfectly possible and reasonable. It could easily be the case.”
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