NICKY HENDERSON looks set to finally unleash the world’s most expensive jumps horse – but not at Cheltenham after pulling his entry.
Palladium was one of those entered in a Grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trial at the track’s Trials Day on Saturday.
The Sevens Barrows boss has the current favourite for the Triumph itself in the shape of Lulamba.
He won comfortably at Ascot on Saturday, giving 10lbs and a decent beating to Gary Moore’s £500,000 former Flat star Mondo Man.
Palladium comes stacked with Flat experience himself having been bought by billionaire Lady Bamford following his German Derby win last summer.
And it looked like the four-year-old colt could have made his debut on the biggest stage of all.
But, after initially being entered, Hendo opted against the big Saturday run, seemingly favouring two lower-key engagements.
It’s no massive surprise given Henderson is often reluctant to run his horses first time out over the testing Cheltenham track.
Instead, Palladium has the option of a 2m maiden hurdle at Huntingdon on Thursday.
And there is a novices’ hurdle over 2m½f at Doncaster on Friday.
His entry at the home of jumps did spark activity in the betting markets.
While still available at 20-1, Ladbrokes and Coral cut Palladium from that price to 12s as word of his entry spread.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Punters lose thousands on 1-100 good thing after unbelievable final-jump drama at Newbury ” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366182893112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Had he stand his ground at Cheltenham, though, it looked like he would have been doing so against some other potential superstars.
Paul Nicholls has entered the exciting Sauvignon, who won two of his three contests, including one at Listed level, in France.
While James Owen’s East India Dock – who won a Grade 2 by 18 lengths at Cheltenham when last seen – has also thrown his hat into the ring.
While a dangerously unexposed JP McManus French recruit, Stencil, has been entered by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm.