Nicky Henderson confirms Sir Gino has fractured pelvis but reports star hurdler to be 'comfortable and stable'

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Nicky Henderson has confirmed that Sir Gino suffered a fractured pelvis in Saturday’s Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham.

The six-year-old is reported to be in a comfortable and stable condition, and further examinations will take place over the coming days.

The star hurdler was pulled up midway through the Grade 2 contest, for which he was an odds-on favourite, and attended to by on-course vets before being walked into a horse ambulance. He was then transported to Three Counties Equine Hospital in nearby Naunton for further assessment.

Nicky Henderson on Sir Gino: "The fact that he's comfortable tonight is the most important thing"Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

In a post on X, Henderson said: "Sir Gino was transferred from Cheltenham to the Three Counties Veterinary Clinic and following scans and x-rays he does have a fractured pelvis. Having spoken to the great team caring for him, although this is obviously significant, he is comfortable and stable.  

"This is great news to us all. The prognosis is guarded and further examinations over the next few days will be able to determine the extent of the injury and any prognosis for the future.

"Thank you to everyone for their messages and concerns which are much appreciated and we will keep everyone up-to-date with any further news but the fact that he's comfortable tonight is the most important thing."

Sir Gino was the biggest name on Saturday’s card and Dan Skelton, who won the Unibet Hurdle with The New Lion, hailed him as one of the biggest stars of the sport.

He was ending an unbeaten record, albeit in an interrupted career. He missed a Triumph Hurdle bid in 2024, when favourite, as Henderson removed runners due to the poor health of his string.

Joe and Marie Donnelly's six-year-old missed the Arkle at last season's festival after suffering a leg wound in the build-up to his prep run.

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