'I'll miss the banter' - Henderson praises 'terrific character' O'Leary

Five-time champion jumps trainer Nicky Henderson on Tuesday described Michael O'Leary as "a terrific character" after the Ryanair supremo revealed his intention to wind down his Gigginstown House Stud operation.

While Henderson admits O'Leary's decision will clearly impact the sport financially, he highlighted a strong personal relationship, with the pair enjoying "each other's banter" on the track.

"Their decision will have an effect on the market place, but that's not the most important factor," said Henderson. "More than anything, it's sad as I've enjoyed playing with Michael enormously over the years.

"We've watched a lot of races together and have enjoyed each other's banter. He's a terrific character but these things happen."

Henderson, who has enjoyed many great tussles with Gigginstown at the Cheltenham Festival and beyond, has stressed the winding down process will take time and is relishing more battles with O'Leary in the coming years.

He said: "It's a long way from the end. One day I shall probably say I'll stop buying store horses, but I'm going to the sales next week to buy unbroken three-year-olds who won't be any good for another three years, by which time I'll be 72!

"I still intend to be training then, but I see Michael's point. He's achieved a hell of a lot and it's premature to say we'll miss him because there's a long way to go.

"We often watch races together at Cheltenham from the same little stand and we've been first and second or second and first to Gigginstown so many times, and he's great."

Michael O'Leary: Nicky Henderson says the Ryanair supremo is 'his own man'Credit: Peter Houlihan / Fennells

O'Leary has crafted a reputation as something of an outspoken character which is one of the qualities Henderson finds most endearing about his great rival.

"I love his attitude and he's his own man," added Henderson. "We all know that and he makes his own decisions – but I admire him for everything.

"It will be very sad for jump racing when it actually ends, but this isn't the end. They have loads of four-year-olds with six-plus years racing in them, so he'll be around for a bit."

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