Last season’s standout juvenile hurdler, Sir Gino, is set to begin a new chapter over fences this term, according to his trainer, Nicky Henderson.
The French import dazzled in his first two British starts, securing a 14-length win at Kempton over Christmas, followed by a 10-length triumph against the high-class Burdett Road in a Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham in January.
Though he missed the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival in March, Sir Gino concluded his season with a commanding Grade One victory at Aintree.
Over the summer, his connections debated whether to pursue the Champion Hurdle path this season or switch to the larger obstacles.
On Tuesday, Sir Gino was among the entries for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on November 30, which is the anticipated comeback race for his illustrious stablemate, Constitution Hill.
However, Henderson later clarified to Unibet: “After extensive discussions with Joe and Marie Donnelly (owners), Nico (de Boinville), and myself, we have decided that Sir Gino will go chasing this season.
“Given that we already have Constitution Hill and also State Man (also owned by the Donnellys) in serious contention, the decision wasn’t particularly difficult.
“Sir Gino has already schooled over fences and is jumping exceptionally well. So, we believe it’s best to go down this route.
If it doesn’t work out, we can always revert to hurdles, as we successfully did with Buveur D’Air a few years ago.
“There’s no reason we can’t do the same again if necessary, but for now, I’m keen on sending him chasing, and he’s progressing nicely.”
Henderson hinted that Sir Gino might start his chasing career in a race where he has previously found success.
He added: “The plan is to debut him at Kempton on November 25 in the two-mile-two-furlong beginners chase—a race we’ve utilized for Altior and Shishkin; it’s generally a ‘friendly’ race, which seems like the ideal starting point.
“Though he’s entered in the Fighting Fifth, that’s purely a precaution in case, heaven forbid, something prevents Constitution Hill from running.”
