Trainer Nicky Henderson announced the tragic death of Sir Gino on Tuesday. The six-year-old passed away just 24 hours before Constitution Hill, another Seven Barrows star, returns to the flat.
A busy midweek of racing news today is rounded up in our daily briefing below.
Sir Gino dies at the age of 6
Nicky Henderson announced on the Seven Barrows X account that Sir Gino has passed away from an infection. The six-year-old was immeasurably talented, winning all seven starts that he completed in an unfortunately curtailed career. He was last seen on a racecourse pulling up due to a pelvic injury in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham. After two months of fighting his injuries, as well as an ongoing infection, he passed away on Tuesday. (Daily Mail)
Constitution Hill makes return at Kempton
Constitution Hill is ready to line up again on the flat. The nine-year-old will contest his second novice event at Kempton on Wednesday night. He is long odds-on to make it two from two on the level after his showstopping flat debut at Southwell. A spokesperson for Paddy Power has suggested markets for who will finish second, or for how far Constitution Hill may win by, are likely to be as popular as the traditional outright market. (Racing Post)
Oisin Murphy is also excited about Constitution Hill’s second run. Murphy was in the saddle at Southwell, but misses the Kempton ride because of a ban. Despite serving the suspension for using his whip once over the permitted level, Murphy is excited to be a viewer on Wednesday, saying “I can’t see why he won’t (win) and, when he steps on to turf, where they go a bit faster, you might see an even better horse.” A big crowd is expected at Kempton to watch it unfold. (Racing Post)
Grand National scratchings take field to 55 as Walsh rides Jagwar
Further scratchings have been made ahead of the 2026 Grand National at Aintree. Just 55 horses remain to fill the maximum quota of 34 for the big race. I Am Maximus remains atop the weights, while fancied runners Jordans, Final Orders and Panic Attack are all now guaranteed a run within the top 34. Cheltenham Festival winner Johnnywho is the most significant name yet to be assured of a place in the line-up. The O’Neills’ runner is currently 36th on the list. (BBC)
Lastly, there was some significant jockey booking news ahead of the Grand National. It was announced that JP McManus’ retained rider Mark Walsh will be aboard Jagwar at Aintree. The 40-year-old partnered him to a second place finish in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and retains faith with the seven-year-old. Paul Townend will almost certainly take the mount aboard I Am Maximus, with it likely that Jonjo O’Neill Jr will take the reins on Iroko. (RTE)