Grand National trainer announces tragic death of star horse | Racing | Sport

Nicky Henderson has announced the death of Sir Gino after failing to recover from a serious infection. The six-year-old had picked up the infections during his recovery from a broken pelvis suffered during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.

The multiple Grade One-winning star missed the recent Cheltenham Festival due to the injury, but Henderson, who has a runner in this year’s Grand National in the shape of Hyland, was hopeful of a recovery at his Seven Barrows yard. But the iconic trainer took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to confirm the sad news.

“We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino’s ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning,” he wrote on X.

“He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far although his fractured pelvis was healing well.

“He was not only brilliant but one of the nicest kindest horses you could ever wish to see and this leaves an awful hole in Seven Barrows this morning and a very sad day for Joe and Marie Donnelly.

“They have had some wonderful horses over the years and they both care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel.

“Sir Gino was unbeaten in his seven (completed) starts including three Grade Ones over hurdles and an amazing display in a Grade Two Chase on his one and only start over fences.

“We would have to say that he was just at least as good as any of all the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained. Unforgettable in every way.”

Speaking after Sir Gino’s injury in January, Henderson said: “There’s every chance he could make a good recovery, but the poor boy spent most of last year in hospital, and he’s going to spend most of it there this year as well. He wants to be at home, and everyone is doing everything they possibly can.”

At one point, the Joe and Marie Donnelly-owned sensation looked set to dominate over hurdles and previously won at the Grand National meeting – beating this year’s Arkle winner Kargese in the 2024 Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle.