Super Saturday a smash hit at Newbury Racecourse, as Nicky Henderson wins in face of Sir Gino absence

SUPER Saturday returned to Newbury Racecourse amid wintry conditions, but there was no shortage of on-track action to excite racegoers.

Friday morning brought some disappointment, as legendary Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson confirmed that Sir Gino would not make the meeting.

He was the favourite for the Game Spirit Chase, but was found to have a sore hind leg a day before the meeting.

This became infected, with Henderson confirming on Monday morning that Sir Gino’s season was over, having been admitted to equine hospital.

The action at Newbury rolled on however, as the day kicked off with a Novices’ Hurdle at 1.15.

Neil King’s Rubber Ball showed his class, beating Paul Nicholls’ Tutti Quanti and Henderson’s Kientzheim for the first prize of the day.

A surprise success for Dan Skelton followed, as 14/1 shot Santos Blue stayed on well to win the Handicap Hurdle.

A break in the action allowed a chance for the crowds to see some legends up close, as the Retraining of Racehorses parade took place.

Altior, Sprinter Sacre, Native River, Coneygree, Splash of Ginge and Kalashnikov all looked in superb health as punters watched on.

Following this was the Denman Chase, where there was success for Venetia Williams and jockey Charlie Deutsch on Djelo.

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