Nicky Henderson pulls his horses from Cheltenham amid fears over mystery bug & says ‘there will be further non-runners’
NICKY HENDERSON has pulled a number of his star runners from Cheltenham amid concerns over a mystery bug devastating his yard.
The Seven Barrows boss, 73, has been in dismal form of late and scratched big Champion Chase hope Jonbon plus First Street and Kingston Pride from Wednesday’s racing.
Poor Nicky Henderson has endured a Cheltenham to forgetPA
He was forced to withdraw Champion Hurdle king Constitution Hill earlier this month after he was found to be unwell with mucus and a ‘significant degree of inflammation’.
CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL
And five of his six horses were pulled up on day one of the Festival – sparking huge fears for red-hot Triumph Hurdle favourite Sir Gino on Friday.
Henderson said in a statement: “I’m afraid we have had to make some very tough decisions following the very disappointing performances of all bar one of our horses yesterday.
“It was there for all to see that there is obviously something affecting nearly all our horses and consequently we have reluctantly decided that Jonbon, First Street and Kingston Pride will not run today.
“It is impossible to identify any reason for all the disappointments and none of these three horses have given us any cause for concern, all yesterday’s runners were scoped clean post-race and I am glad to say all are sound this morning.
“There will unfortunately be further non-runners on Thursday and Friday.
“I hope everybody will appreciate that we have to do this in everybody’s interests, particularly the horses.
“It is very, very disappointing for everybody.”
Henderson’s shock decision came as it was announced the Cross Country Chase had been abandoned.
The 4.10pm race has been scrapped altogether with the track unraceable – and the times of the first four races all changed.
Henderson’s top chaser Jonbon had been set for a blockbuster rematch with Willie Mullins’ El Fabiolo in the feature race on Wednesday.
But that contest now looks a penalty kick for the top two-miler, who could form the final leg of a treble banker acca alongside his other horses Ballyburn and Fact To File.
First Street had been a 25-1 hope for the Coral Cup while Kingston Pride had been around 33-1 for the concluding Champion Bumper.
Not all of Henderson’s runners will be missing though.
Jingko Blue is a 20-1 chance for the Gallagher Novices’ Hurdle, the first contest on day two at the rearranged time of 1.45pm.
While Doddiethegreat is a 9-1 poke for the Coral Cup and Lucky Place keeps his place in the Coral Cup.
Henderson has six horses currently declared for tomorrow’s racing.
But huge doubts now surround Sir Gino, who has been the favourite for Friday’s Triumph since absolutely bolting up on Trials Day.
The horse has been odds-on for weeks but is now as big as 7-4 as punters desert Henderson’s runners.
Sir Gino is currently showing as declared on the BHA website with Nico de Boinville set to ride.
However it remains to be seen if Henderson will consider risking what many consider a banker given his stable’s shocking form.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chases their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
