NICK OF TIME
Defiant Nicky Henderson refuses to pull favourite Sir Gino out of Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle amid fears over mystery bug
Henderson has already been forced to withdraw a number of high-profile runners
NICKY HENDERSON has refused to pull Sir Gino out of Friday's Cheltenham Triumph Hurdle, despite his disastrous week so far.
The 73-year-old has endured a nightmare Festival, with five of his six runners pulling up on day one.
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Henderson has withdrawn several of his other horses amid fears of a mystery bug devastating his yard.
Gold Cup runner Shishkin is among the casualties, in addition to Champion Chase hopeful Jonbon.
Defending champion Constitution Hill was withdrawn last week after failing to get fit in time.
Despite Henderson's woes, he has remained defiant on red-hot Triumph Hurdle favourite Sir Gino.
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In a statement posted to social media, he wrote: "There shouldn't be any more withdrawals and the ones who have been declared for Friday are intended to run as they've all checked out OK.
"It's pretty s***y all together but everyone has been very kind and I appreciate it.
"We're going to run some of these older horses because we can't find anything wrong and it says they're perfectly all right.
"It's been a horrible situation since Constitution Hill went to Kempton really.
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"I'd like to think Sir Gino is our best remaining chance and everything we run should have a chance, but you just can't guarantee at what level they are going to run."
Nico de Boinville is set to ride Sir Gino in Friday's Gold Cup.
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The 34-year-old jockey showed his frustration after pulling up on Jingko Blue in the Novice's Hurdle.
Reporter Matt Chapman stopped him for a chat after the race, saying: "Jinko, I almost feel bad asking but…"
Frustrated De Boinville snapped back: "You should feel bad asking. Same story, different day."
Amid Henderson's woes, many concerned punters begged him to withdraw Sir Gino on social media.
On wrote: "NICKY PLEASE PULL SIR GINO TOMORROW!"
A second worried: "Sir Gino only danger now."
A third commented: "Surely Sir Gino gets pulled?!"
And another added: "I’ve got a favourites acca that would benefit greatly from Henderson going home and taking Sir Gino with him."
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