Nicky Henderson talks Cheltenham favourites Constitution Hill, Jonbon and provides update on Sir Gino’s condition ahead of Cheltenham Festival
Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham preparations are in full swing.
The legendary Lambourn trainer has the favourite in a number of races ahead of next month’s festival.
Henderson was keen to give plenty of praise to Jonbon, currently 8/11 favourite for the Champion Chase on Wednesday 12th March.
He dominated the Clarence House at Ascot earlier this season, leading to what Henderson sees as some long awaited respect.
“He’s a real old friend,” he said.
“He’s been around for a bit, and it’s amazing what he’s achieved too.
“He’s in very good form and he’s enjoying himself. It’s been a great start to the year.
“There are some people who like to tell you that he doesn’t suit Cheltenham.
“But remember that he has won the Shloer Chase for the last two years.
“So here we go.”
Constitution Hill will be the star attraction, as he looks to secure his second Champion Hurdle.
Such a feat would complete a remarkable 12-month comeback for the 2023 winner, who looked every bit his old self in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, and won the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham in January.
“He did a nice bit of work this week,” he said.
“He’ll have a serious gallop come the weekend.
“He’s got a bit of work to do, but we’re three weeks away.
“I hope we’re getting our timing right. If not, then I’m the culprit.
“But we think he’s doing very well.”
There will be no trip to Cheltenham for Sir Gino however.
A long time favourite for the Arkle, he saw a wound become infected just before a scheduled appearance at Newbury’s Super Saturday, and has been undergoing specialist treatment ever since.
“If it’s boring and nothing is happening, then that is actually good news,” he said.
“If someone rang up and said ‘he’s miles better today’, I don’t know what constitutes miles better.
“But he’s fine in himself.
“It’s vital that there is no deterioration.
“At the moment the nasty bug that's in there is under control.
“These things are really brutal, and they can flare up like a forest fire in seconds.
“If he gets through to Monday without a change then we’re looking on the bright side of life.”
His replacement is likely to be Jango Baie, a horse used to a lesser trip, who is now Henderson’s leading prospect for the Arkle.
“He was sitting on the fence in the two and a half mile division,” he said.
“To be fair, we were looking to push him up to three miles, because Sir Gino was dominating the picture in the Arkle.
“Without him, you look at it again, and the two mile race looks a lot more attractive.
“As it stands at the moment, we would seriously be looking towards coming back in trip and heading for the Arkle.
“He won a Grade One two mile hurdle last year, so he’ll be quite quick.
“It’s on the first day, so you’re technically on the easier track.”
Elsewhere at the festival, Lulamba remains the favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, although he’ll face stiff opposition from James Owen’s East India Dock.
“I’m certainly very hopeful,” he said.
“He is a high class horse, and that was an impressive performance at Ascot, giving them all a lot of weight as well.
“We think he’s very, very nice.
“I suspect he won’t go to Kempton on Saturday, but it is possible.”
Lucky Place has also attracted a lot of chatter of late, and looks to be a good prospect for the Stayers Hurdle.
“I think he’s entitled to a bit of respect,” he said.
“His English form is probably the best on offer.
“We didn’t run him on trials day, because I didn’t see that he needed to go three miles.
“All we would have run him for was to see if he could stay three miles.
“Well why not just go to Cheltenham and be done with it?
“We’ll find out there and then. If he stays, he stays. If he doesn’t, he doesn’t.
“We had him schooled to go novice chasing, but gave it up because there weren't enough opportunities.
“He won a hurdle at Ascot and he’s stayed there.
“I love him. He’s a very straightforward, likeable, solid headed, uncomplicated horse.”
