Sir Gino Suffers Suspected Pelvic Injury at Cheltenham

Sir Gino, the antepost favorite for the Champion Hurdle, suffered a suspected pelvic injury and was pulled up during the Grade Two Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham Racecourse on Saturday, casting doubt on his participation in next month's Cheltenham Festival.

The six-year-old hurdler, trained by Nicky Henderson and ridden by Nico de Boinville, was traveling well in the four-runner field when he appeared to land awkwardly after the sixth hurdle at the top of the hill. De Boinville quickly dismounted, and the horse was attended to by on-course veterinarians. Sir Gino walked onto a horse ambulance for transport to the nearby Three Counties Equine Hospital for scans and further assessment. Henderson, speaking to ITV Racing after the race, confirmed the injury appeared to involve the right hind leg high up, with no fractures in the lower limb. "It would appear to be a pelvic injury," he said. "Pelvic injuries can be little ones and big ones. We just have to keep everything crossed." He added that results would not be available until later, noting, "Everybody is fighting."

Sir Gino entered the race as the 2-5 favorite, having won seven of his eight career starts. He had returned to action...