Nationwide Hunt coach Nicky Henderson has revealed that Structure Hill is lame so the 2023 Champion Hurdle victor is “unlikely” to make his seasonal reappearance within the BetMGM Combating Fifth Hurdle subsequent Saturday (30 November).
“I’m afraid I’ve to report that now we have an issue with Structure Hill,” Mr Henderson mentioned. “He’s at present lame.”
The announcement comes after the seven-year-old, owned by Michael Buckely, took half in a racecourse gallop at Newbury on Tuesday morning and was unable to quicken to match secure companion Sir Gino underneath the urges of Nico de Boinville.
“This wasn’t instantly obvious after his gallop at Newbury on Tuesday, however for the final 48 hours he has been sore however for what purpose we’re nonetheless unaware,” mentioned Mr Henderson. “I’m at present investigating.
“This, as I’m certain everyone will respect, is a tragic downside for us. We’ve to report the place we’re and he’s nonetheless underneath investigation.
“We’re looking for the rationale for it, which isn’t obvious, and we’ll hold everyone posted, however at this stage, you’d should say he’s unlikely to make subsequent Saturday at Newcastle.”
Structure Hill was final seen profitable the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton Park final December. This was adopted by a curtailed season owing to floor considerations, a respiratory downside after which suspected colic, so the gelding, who’s unbeaten underneath Guidelines, has solely run 5 instances over the previous two years.
“I’ve to substantiate to everyone this isn’t a retirement name – he isn’t – he was shiny and breezy after his gallop however now we have this subject,” mentioned Mr Henderson.
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Structure Hill ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the Sky Guess Supreme novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham in 2022.
Credit score: Grossick Racing
Structure Hill at full stretch underneath Nico de Boinville clears the final on their strategy to profitable the Unibet Champion Hurdle Problem Trophy on day one of many 2023 Cheltenham Pageant.
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Photograph
Structure Hill ridden by Nico de Boinville wins the Sky Guess Supreme novices’ hurdle at Cheltenham in 2022.
Credit score: Grossick Racing
Structure Hill ridden by Nico de Boinville goes on to win the Sky Guess Supreme Novices’ Hurdle throughout day one of many Cheltenham Pageant in 2022.
Credit score: Alamy Inventory Photograph
Credit score: Sportsfile through Getty Photos
Credit score: Future
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H&H options, racing and point-to-point editor
Gemma is an skilled journalist, having been a part of the H&H workforce since 2014, who’s keen about all equestrian sports activities, together with racing and point-to-pointing. She has loved using out for high trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took half in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting abilities have taken her to quite a few five-star occasions round Britain and Europe, in addition to European championships.
