The racing world is mourning the loss of one of its brightest stars, as Nicky Henderson has announced the death of his extraordinary six-year-old hurdler, Sir Gino. The news broke on March 24, 2026, sending a wave of sadness across the Seven Barrows yard and among racing enthusiasts everywhere. Sir Gino, unbeaten in all seven of his completed career starts, succumbed to a severe deep-seated infection that he contracted while recovering from a fractured pelvis suffered at Cheltenham in January.
Henderson, a legendary trainer with a storied career, took to social media to share the heartbreaking update: "We have very sadly lost the battle to overcome Sir Gino’s ailment and he has had to be put to sleep at the veterinary hospital this morning. He has been fighting from severe deep-seated infections that he had overcome last year prior to his brilliant return in the Christmas Hurdle but this time it had spread too far although his fractured pelvis was healing well. He was not only brilliant but one of the nicest kindest horses you could ever wish to see and this leaves an awful hole in Seven Barrows this morning and a very sad day for Joe and Marie Donnelly. They have had some wonderful horses over the years and they both care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel. Sir Gino was unbeaten in his seven (completed) starts including three Grade Ones over hurdles and an amazing display in a Grade Two Chase on his one and only start over fences. We would have to say that he was just at least as good as any of all the amazing horses we have been lucky enough to have trained. Unforgettable in every way."
Sir Gino’s journey on the track was nothing short of remarkable. After making an immediate impression with a 14-length victory at Kempton in December 2023, the gelding continued to dazzle with a ten-length triumph in the Grade 2 Finesse Juvenile Hurdle in January 2024. Although he was the hot favourite for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham that year, he missed the race due to a cloud over Henderson’s yard, but bounced back to clinch Grade 1 glory at the Grand National meeting. There, he famously defeated Kargese, who would later claim the Arkle in 2025, in the Boodles Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle—a win that cemented Sir Gino’s reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
The 2024/25 season saw Sir Gino reach even greater heights. He returned with an emphatic victory in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in November 2024, stepping in for his stablemate Constitution Hill. His only start over fences came in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton on December 27, 2024, where he delivered a stunning performance, thrashing Ballyburn and leaving fans and pundits alike in awe. That singular chase outing would ultimately be his only one, as his career path took another turn.
At the start of the 2025/26 season, Sir Gino once again showed his class by winning the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, this time beating Champion Hurdle winner Golden Ace by six lengths. This victory was especially sweet, as it marked his return from a similar infection that had threatened his career the previous year. Henderson’s decision to keep him over hurdles was rewarded handsomely, and Sir Gino was quickly installed as the ante-post favourite for the 2026 Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
But fate had other plans. In the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January 2026, Sir Gino suffered a fractured pelvis—a devastating blow for the horse and his connections. Despite the initial optimism surrounding his recovery, the deep-seated infection he contracted during rehabilitation proved too much for even the bravest of battlers. Henderson reflected on the ordeal, saying, "There’s every chance he could make a good recovery, but the poor boy spent most of last year in hospital, and he’s going to spend most of it there this year as well. He wants to be at home, and everyone is doing everything they possibly can." Sadly, the infection spread too far, and Sir Gino was put to sleep at the veterinary hospital on the morning of March 24, 2026.
Throughout his career, Sir Gino was known not only for his blistering speed and jumping ability but also for his gentle and kind nature. Henderson was effusive in his praise, describing him as "different class" and "extraordinary," sentiments echoed by everyone who worked with the horse. Karolina Wernerova, his dedicated groom, and Dan Williams, his daily rider, were especially close to the star hurdler, with Henderson noting, "From the very beginning we knew he was different class. He could do anything, and his work was always brilliant." Jockey James Bowen recalled Sir Gino’s unique acceleration, saying after a Cheltenham run, "He jumped the last and gave him a squeeze, and he said he nearly fell out the back door because of the acceleration Sir Gino showed. He changed gear so quickly and he was unreal."
The loss has hit owners Joe and Marie Donnelly particularly hard. Longtime supporters of the sport and passionate about their horses, the Donnellys have enjoyed success with several top-class runners, but Sir Gino held a special place in their hearts. Henderson remarked, "They have had some wonderful horses over the years and they both care so much for them so losing such a young star with his life in front of him is particularly cruel."
Sir Gino’s unbeaten record—seven wins from seven completed starts, including three Grade One hurdles and a Grade Two chase—places him among the elite in National Hunt racing. Henderson was unequivocal in his assessment, stating, "We’ve had some very good hurdlers over the years, but I can’t say any of them were better than this fella, and even Constitution Hill at the same time. It’s a freak thing to be able to have both of them, and neither of them could get to the Champion Hurdle. They were two freaks." The sense of what might have been lingers, especially with both stars missing the Champion Hurdle due to injury and illness.
For the Seven Barrows team, the void left by Sir Gino’s passing is immense. Henderson summed it up with heartfelt words: "He was not only brilliant but one of the nicest, kindest horses you could ever wish to see, and this leaves an awful hole in Seven Barrows this morning and a very sad day for Joe and Marie Donnelly." The racing community at large will remember Sir Gino not just for his unbeaten record and dazzling performances, but for the joy and hope he brought to all who followed his career.
As the stable and fans alike come to terms with this devastating loss, Sir Gino’s legacy as an extraordinary and unforgettable champion is certain to endure. His story, marked by both triumph and tragedy, will be told for years to come—a reminder of the brilliance and fragility that make the sport of kings so captivating.