Nicky Henderson has on Tuesday confirmed the death of his stable star Sir Gino, at the age of six, after a battle with an infection he suffered following an injury in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham, in January.
Henderson has paid an emotional tribute to star hurdler and stable star following his untimely death.
The classy youngster had the world at his feet, after coming back from a life-threatening infection last year.
On his return, he won the Christmas Hurdle on Boxing Day last year but suffered an injury in the International Hurdle in January.
Bright talent
The injury itself was not deemed life-threatening but a recurrence of the infection from last year has so unfairly taken one of the brightest National Hunt talents in recent memory.
Henderson paid a heartfelt tribute to his star on social media, saying: “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.
“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 & Marie Donnelly.
Unbeaten
“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 all his seven starts including 3 Grade 1’s over hurdles and an amazing display in a Grade 2 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.”
A fallen star
Sir Gino was undoubtedly one of the brightest talents around, perhaps in recent memory, and his loss is a monumental one – not just for fans across the world but especially to those closest to him.
A horse of immense quality, he announced himself at Cheltenham with a 10-length hammering of Burdett Road before he defeated this year’s Arkle winner Kargese at Aintree.
A demolition job of Ballyburn staked his claim as a leading contender over both hurdles and fences, before this cruel infection took hold for the first time.
His final victory came the following year, a triumphant return to glory, defeating the reigning Champion Hurdler Golden Ace – in a time so bleak for his connections.
Let us remember him by his triumphs, unbeaten in all his starts and a true talent that has been taken far too soon.
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SportJustSport writers