Nicky Henderson says the next seven days will be vital for Sir Gino as superstar recovers in hospital

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NICKY HENDERSON says Sir Gino is not out of the woods as the superstar chaser continues to recover in hospital.

The five-year-old was the red-hot favourite for the Arkle after a brilliant win on his chasing debut at Kempton over Christmas.

Sir Gino jumping a hurdle.
Sir Gino has been in hospital for the past week with an injury

But he suffered a cut during a routine piece of work earlier this month and he developed an infection his leg, shockingly meaning he will miss Cheltenham and the rest of the season.

And Henderson said the horse was battling a ‘dangerous superbug’, and that the next week will be important in his fight to get back to full health.

Hendo said: “There’s still a way to go yet. He’s still in the clinic and he’ll be there for another week, but the vets are hoping that if he stays the same he might be coming out of the woods.

“The signs are positive because he’s stable. He’s very happy. He honestly doesn’t know – he’s in no pain or anything.

“They’ve just got to get this bug under control and it’s a sort of superbug that gets into them. How they get in I’ve no idea – you’d have to ask the vets. It’s bizarre and very, very rare and it can be dangerous.

“I think I’ve seen one before. People say they had that with such and such a horse five years ago. The outcome wasn’t always ok. It’s dangerous.”

The six-time champion trainer also said he had not made a decision over running plans for his two Triumph Hurdle contenders Lulamba and Palladium.

Both horses are entered in the Adonis Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday and the plan had been to run Palladium, but Henderson hinted at having a change of heart.

He said: “They are both in the Adonis, which might surprise a few of you, but only one of them will run.

“Lulamba is terribly well and would have to have a racecourse gallop and the other fella is just good at what he does. They’re going to work tomorrow and then we’ll decide.

“He’s very laidback and he has a very good attitude to it. But he has only had two runs in his life. And the other horse, just the way he’s been working and everything and schooling, does he really need to?

“He’s done a mountain of racing. I think he might be better where he is but I don’t know, we’ll see.”

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‘The situation is critical’ – Nicky Henderson’s devastating Sir Gino update

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NICKY HENDERSON has delivered a devastating update on Sir Gino, confirming: “The situation remains critical.”

The legendary Seven Barrows boss was forced to pull his superstar novice chaser from Cheltenham Festival yesterday.

Sir Gino jumping a hurdle during a horse race.
Nicky Henderson confirmed Sir Gino remains in a critical state

Sir Gino was odds-on fav for the Arkle Chase on day one – and all set for a blockbuster head-to-head with Willie Mullins’ Majborough.

But a wound picked up last week turned out to be much worse than first thought.

Henderson delivered this update on the five-year-old on Tuesday.

In a statement on X, the trainer said: “Firstly, we would just like to say thank you for the absolutely amazing amount of well wishes following Sir Gino’s setback and admittance to the Equine hospital.

“It has been overwhelming that any horse could cause as much sentiment and it is much appreciated by us all.

“Sir Gino remains under treatment and the veterinary team were pleased with how that went yesterday.

“The situation does remain critical but he is comfortable and eating remarkably well under the circumstances.

“The medical attention will be ongoing for the foreseeable future and he is in the very best hands.

“He has the potential to be one of the greats and hopefully with all fingers and toes crossed he still will be.”