Sir Gino could run over both hurdles and fences this season

By David Ord

Horse Racing

Sat December 07, 2024 · 3w ago

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.”

Safer gambling

We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.

If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.

Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.

Like what you've read?