Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Sporting ExcitementSporting Excitement

Horse Racing

Back surgery for Champ after Cheltenham Gold Cup nightmare but Altior could return at Sandown with no retirement talks

, Back surgery for Champ after Cheltenham Gold Cup nightmare but Altior could return at Sandown with no retirement talks

NICKY HENDERSON admitted he was ‘rather embarrassed’ by the Irish domination at the Cheltenham Festival.

But after two winners and his horses running well for much of the week, he believes it’s far from time to panic.

Champ was pulled-up in the Gold Cup after a string of poor jumps
Henderson enjoyed two winners at the Festival last week

Henderson managed two of only five British-trained winners, as Shishkin triumphed in the Arkle and Chantry House in the Marsh Novices’ Chase as Envoi Allen fell.

Henderson told Sun Racing: “It was a mixed week for us. It started horribly with Altior being ruled out, that was hard to take.

“But then we had the two winners and from our 22 horses, 14 finished in the prize money. So our horses went well.

“But then the Gold Cup was a disaster, it couldn’t have gone any worse for Champ and Santini.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

“Then you add in the Irish dominance which got rather embarrassing at points. But then again we took them on and we did beat them in some races, for us personally, it wasn’t all bad, far from it.”

Champ and Santini were both pulled-up in the Gold Cup and Champ will head back to Ireland for surgery on his back. Santini is also done for the year.

But winners Shishkin and Chantry House will both likely be Aintree-bound with Buveur D’Air who skipped Cheltenham.

Champion Hurdle third Epatante is set for a rematch with winner Honeysuckle.

, Back surgery for Champ after Cheltenham Gold Cup nightmare but Altior could return at Sandown with no retirement talks

Shishkin was a brilliant winner of the Sporting Life Arkle

Henderson added: “Epatante ran well but at the same time it was frustrating. She should have got second definitely, but we won’t complain, we were never getting to the winner.

“But the plan is to go to Punchestown and have another go. She’ll be going back to Ireland anyway so we may as well have a stop off there.”

Superstar chaser Altior missed the Festival after scoping dirty on the eve of the Champion Chase.

His trainer hopes to have him back for Sandown at the end of the season.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

, Back surgery for Champ after Cheltenham Gold Cup nightmare but Altior could return at Sandown with no retirement talks

Altior was forced to miss the Champion Chase for the second season running

Henderson explained: “It was a horrible start to the week. We couldn’t have run him.

“Thankfully we should be able to get him back out this season but I’d say it’s definitely more likely to be Sandown than Aintree.

“For the horse and the owners hopefully we can get him back on a high as they all deserve it. There’s been no talk of retirement yet, he’s not going anywhere.”

FREE BETS GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to SE. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chase their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest

Premier League

Former Football Stars Turned Coaches Cesc Fabregas has been predicted to join the ranks of successful managers like Mikel Arteta, Thierry Henry, and Patrick...

Premier League

Guardiola's Headache Manchester City is facing a massive injury crisis with seven key players at risk of missing the crucial showdown against Arsenal. Defensive...

Premier League

ARSENAL and West Ham are on the brink of securing an extra Champions League spot for English clubs in 2024-25 by potentially eliminating German...

Premier League

Sir Jim Ratcliffe making changes at Old Trafford Manchester United is gearing up for a major shake-up as Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the British billionaire...

Premier League

Man City vs Arsenal Preview Manchester City and Arsenal, two title rivals, are set to clash this Easter Sunday in a crucial Premier League...

Golf

Golden Rule: They're Patrons, Not Fans When attending the Masters at Augusta National, remember to address fellow spectators as 'patrons' and not 'fans'. This...

Advertisement
Advertisement

Facebook

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement