Palladium leaves Nicky Henderson for top Newmarket stable ahead of Flat return

One-time Triumph Hurdle contender Palladium has left Nicky Henderson and joined John and Thady Gosden in Newmarket, where he will be prepared for a return to the Flat.

Last season's German Derby winner, who cost Lady Bamford €1.4 million last October, has a mid-season target of the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Gosdens have enjoyed major success for the owner, most recently when Soul Sister won the 2023 Oaks, following Star Of Seville's victory in the 2015 Prix de Diane. 

After joining Henderson in October, Palladium took the first step towards the Cheltenham Festival when scoring on his jumping debut at Huntingdon in January when landing odds of 8-15 at the expense of Wolf Moon.

Palladium: scored over hurdles at Huntingdon for Nicky HendersonCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Palladium was as short as 10-1 fourth favourite for the Triumph Hurdle before being ruled out four days before the race after getting cast in his box at Seven Barrows.

Speaking at the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sales on Monday, Henry Lascelles, racing manager to Lady Bamford, said: “Palladium has recently moved to John and Thady Gosden where he has settled in well by all accounts. 

"The plan is to prepare him for Royal Ascot with the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes as an obvious target, but whether he’ll have a run beforehand we’ll have to see."

Palladium was last seen on the Flat finishing last of six behind subsequent Breeders' Cup Turf winner Rebel's Romance in the Group 1 Preis von Europa at Cologne in September for trainer Henk Grewe. 

Read more:

'This is dreadful news' - Nicky Henderson hit with huge blow as Triumph Hurdle hope Palladium to miss Cheltenham 

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