Nicky Henderson: 'Sir Gino's situation remains critical but he is comfortable and in the very best hands'

Nicky Henderson has described Sir Gino's situation as "critical" but reports his top novice chaser to be "comfortable" as his treatment for injury continues.

On Monday, the Seven Barrows superstar was admitted to Donnington Grove vets and ruled out for the remainder of the season after an infection to the ligaments in his near hind leg.

In a statement on X, Henderson said: "Firstly, we would just like to say thank you for the absolutely amazing amount of well-wishes following Sir Gino’s setback and admittance to the equine hospital. It has been overwhelming that any horse could cause as much sentiment and it is much appreciated by us all. 

"Sir Gino remains under treatment and the veterinary team were pleased with how that went yesterday. The situation does remain critical but he is comfortable and eating remarkably well under the circumstances."

Sir Gino was the ante-post Arkle favourite at the Cheltenham Festival, but he will miss the meeting for a second consecutive year after the injury he suffered towards the end of last week deteriorated over the weekend.

Henderson had initially hoped Sir Gino would overcome his setback after a few days, but the situation went downhill quickly and the length of his treatment means that he will not be seen again this season.

However, the Seven Barrows maestro remains hopeful his five-year-old can bounce back from his injury and continue on the path to stardom.

Henderson added: "The medical attention will be ongoing for the foreseeable future and he is in the very best hands. He has the potential to be one of the greats and hopefully with all fingers and toes crossed he still will be."

Read these next:

Sir Gino's future 'in the lap of the gods' says Nicky Henderson as star novice ruled out for the season 

Nicky Henderson 'disappointed' as Sir Gino takes step backwards in recovery - but trainer remains optimistic over swift return 

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