Trials Day at Cheltenham was marred by more than a single incident on Saturday as Sir Gino suffered a pelvic injury during the International Hurdle, while a collapsed drainage hole delayed the final race. We recap those incidents, as well as some Cheltenham and worldwide winners in our Monday round-up.
Dramatic Cheltenham Trials Day marred by Sir Gino injury
A pelvic injury to star hurdler Sir Gino darkened the clouds over Cheltenham Trials Day on Saturday. Nicky Henderson’s six-year-old was pulled up down the back straight during the International Hurdle, ultimately won by main market rival The New Lion, but with many fearing the worst, news was passed on that Sir Gino had walked onto the horse box to take him to Thee Counties hospital. Further updates about this health are expected from Henderson this week. (The Guardian)
Fewer than two hours later and Cheltenham’s meeting erupted into greater chaos when a hole caused by a sunken drainage cover delayed the final race on Trials Day. The decision was made to go ahead the concluding contest despite the delay, with Kripticjim running out the winner of the Grade 2 AIS Novices’ Hurdle, though plenty criticised decision makers with the potential for a heightened danger of injuries elsewhere on the course. (Mirror)
In terms of the results on Trials Day, the most significant regarding the Cheltenham Festival was Ma Shantou’s victory in the Grade 2 Cleeve Hurdle. Emma Lavelle’s charge had won twice at Prestbury Park already this season, but exceled on the step up to Graded company to beat hot favourite Impose Toi, who had previously been unbeaten this term. Ma Shantou is now considered the leading British contender for the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in March for a yard which won the race with Paisley Park in 2019. (Wilts & Gloucestershire Standard)
Earlier on the card, there was a return to form form Spillane’s Tower in the Cotswold Chase, the key trial for the Gold Cup at Cheltenham on Saturday. Jimmy Mangan’s charge had been racing over hurdles prior to this first chasing run of the campaign in which he upset clear favourite Grey Dawning, who could only finish third. Spillane’s Tower ultimately overcame defending champion L’Homme Presse, with the first three home all reportedly being targeted at the Gold Cup in March. (RTE)
Ka Ying Rising sets winning record on big international weekend
In Hong Kong, Ka Ying Rising recorded a 17th successive win in his home nation, equalling a 21-year record set by Silent Witness in the country. David Hayes’ sprinter has proven unbeatable at all levels and comfortably extended his exceptional record with a 1 1/4-length success in the Group 1 Centenary Sprint Cup at Sha Tin on Sunday. (Racing Post)
Lastly, in the United States, it was fourth time lucky in the $3 million Pegasus World Cup for fan favourite Skippylongstocking, who was winning a belated first top level prize for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. The seven-year-old has been a regular in high class company for the last few seasons, but secured this Grade 1 breakthrough with a late surge under Tyler Gaffalione to beat White Abarrio by 1 3/4 lengths. (Breeders’ Cup)