Nicky Henderson confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Sir Gino had sadly lost his battle with ‘severe infections’ picked up over the last year.
Sir Gino Dies Aged Six
The supremely talented Sir Gino has sadly lost his battle with severe infections he picked up before and during his treatment for a broken pelvis.
Joe and Marie Donnelly’s superstar was favourite for the Champion Hurdle before getting pulled up due to an injury at Cheltenham on Trials Day.
Nicky Henderson confirmed the heartbreaking news on X (formerly known as Twitter).
“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 broken 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 & 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 paricularly cruel.
“Sir Gino was unbeaten in all his seven starts including three Grade 1’s over hurdles and an amzing display in a Grade 2 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.”
WATCH: Sir Gino Wins Christmas Hurdle On The Bridle
🟡⚫️ Sir Gino is back!
🏇 7 runs
🥇 7 wins
🏆 G1 Christmas Hurdle
🏆 G1 Fighting Fifth
🏆 G1 4-Y-O Hurdle
⭐️ Superstar pic.twitter.com/m4wFws75nt— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 26, 2025
Sir Gino Was Destined For Greatness Ever Since Arriving In Britain
Ever since Sir Gino arrived at Seven Barrows, it was clear that he was a sensational horse.
He dazzled on his British debut at Kempton in December 2023, winning as he liked by 14 lengths. A month later, he dispatched of six rivals in the Triumph Hurdle Trial at Cheltenham.
Sir Gino then went to Aintree and took care of 2026 Arkle winner Kargese. He would return from a 233-day break and dominated in the 2024 Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
Next came a chase debut where he took to fences like a duck to water, beating Ballyburn in a canter.
WATCH: Sir Gino Canters To Victory On Chase Debut
WOW! 🤩
A spectacular chase debut by Sir Gino who lands the Grade 2 @Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase in fine fashion 💫 @kemptonparkrace @sevenbarrows | @NdeBoinville pic.twitter.com/TnckrlMszt
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2024
Sir Gino then had another year off after different problems but returned and won the 2025 Christmas Hurdle without coming out of first gear.
But his complications escalated when he pulled up in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham earlier this year.
It was reported that he had suffered a fractured pelvis during that run at Cheltenham, and he was ruled out of the 2026 Festival.
Our thoughts are with all of Sir Gino’s connections and everyone at Read Horse Racing hopes he rests in peace.
Sir Gino Career In Numbers 💛🖤
- Age – passed away aged 6
- Races – 8
- Wins – 7
- Hurdle Starts – 7
- Wins – 6
- Chase Starts – 1
- Wins – 1
- Prize Money – £335,541
