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

Nicky Henderson was dealt a blow on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival after he announced that Triumph Hurdle hope Palladium will miss the Grade 1 on Friday.

The four-year-old, who was a general 10-1 fourth favourite for the opener on the final day, became cast overnight and was experiencing some soreness in his box on Tuesday morning.

Speaking on X, Henderson said: "We have had quite a blow this morning when it appears that Palladium had got cast overnight and is quite sore this morning and we really can’t see how he can be fit to run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

"This is dreadful news and an unfair shock for the Bamford family as we seriously thought we had an outstanding chance on Friday."

Although Palladium should recover, Henderson believes the Germany Derby winner will resume his Flat career, with a view of heading to Royal Ascot in the summer.

"We are confident he will soon be able to resume training but he will require a few easy days," he said. "He would be back in time for Aintree but I think in all probability he will now return to his Flat career. 

"He is a very good looking and talented young horse with a great temperament. and he has a really bright future under both codes."

However, Henderson will still be represented in the race by second-favourite Lulamba, who enhanced his credentials for the race with an impressive debut success at Ascot in January. 

The James Owen-trained East India Dock, who has won impressively at Cheltenham on two starts, is favourite for the race.

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