Star hurdler Sir Gino has been sidelined for the rest of the 2026 jumps season following a fractured pelvis sustained during the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham. The six-year-old, trained by Nicky Henderson, was pulled up by jockey Nico de Boinville and is now recovering at a veterinary clinic. Henderson reports the horse is comfortable and stable, though the prognosis remains guarded.
On Saturday, January 24, 2026, during Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse, Nicky Henderson's unbeaten hurdler Sir Gino suffered a serious injury in the Unibet Hurdle. The six-year-old star, sent off as the odds-on favorite, was pulled up by jockey Nico de Boinville and walked into the horse ambulance for transport to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic.
Scans and X-rays confirmed a fractured pelvis, with Henderson stating: “Sir Gino was transferred from Cheltenham to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic and following scans and X-rays he does have a fractured pelvis but having spoken to the great team that are caring for him, they are hopeful that although this is obviously significant they have reported that he is comfortable and stable. This is great news to us all.” He added that the prognosis is guarded, with further examinations needed over the next few days to assess the extent of the injury.
Henderson noted two fractured lines in the pelvis and confirmed Sir Gino will remain out for the rest of the season, missing his anticipated run in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The horse had recently returned triumphantly from a long lay-off caused by a life-threatening infection last year, winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day by defeating reigning Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace.
In an update on Monday, de Boinville shared positive news after visiting the clinic: “It’s really good news on Sir Gino. George Daly, our assistant, went down to see him and took a few photos of him and he seems comfortable. He’s at Three Counties vets. At some stage he’ll be coming back to Lambourn.” Henderson echoed the optimism, saying there is “every chance he could make a good recovery,” though the horse faces another extended period of care similar to last year's hospitalization.
Immediately after the incident, Henderson described the injury as appearing to be in the right-hind pelvis, high up with no lower limb fractures, emphasizing the need for swift veterinary assessment. He praised Sir Gino as one of his best horses, stating: “I’ve been lucky enough to have many good horses but I haven’t had many like him, I can tell you that.” The racing community has rallied with messages of support, and updates will follow as the horse progresses toward a potential return.
