Nicky Henderson has announced the death of fan favourite Sir Gino after the horse failed to recover from a serious infection.
Having overcome a similar problem last year to return to win the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, the six-year-old fractured his pelvis when running at Cheltenham in January.
Last month Daily Mail Sport reported how Sir Gino was fighting for his life after contracting another virus following the injury, and sadly the trainer has now announced his horse has lost that battle.
Henderson posted on X on Tuesday afternoon: ‘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 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.
Sir Gino, ridden by Nico de Boinville, en route to victory at Kempton in December 2024
‘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.’
Sir Gino was a popular horse with racing fans and had won all seven of his races before the injury at Cheltenham. And tributes poured in in reply to Henderson’s post on X.
‘Truly heartbreaking,’ wrote Kak Person. ‘Sir Gino wasn’t just a champion on the track he was a once-in-a-generation spirit. Unbeaten in 7 starts, 3 Grade 1s, and a star whose brilliance will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, legend.’
Fellow X user RacingGav wrote: ‘Such awful news Nicky! My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I felt extremely lucky to be able to meet him at Seven Barrows back in August but I feel it even more so now. A huge loss for his connections and the sport as a whole.’
JPunts97 added: ‘My thoughts go out to you Nicky, to Joe and Marie Donnelly and to all who cared and loved Sir Gino in his time on this planet. Had the world at his feet and an unimaginable talent to the game.’
