Structure Hill – deliberate reappearance ‘unlikely’ says coach

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 we’ve an issue with Structure Hill,” Mr Henderson mentioned. “He’s presently 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 steady 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 cause we’re nonetheless unaware,” mentioned Mr Henderson. “I’m presently investigating.

“This, as I’m positive all people will respect, is a tragic drawback for us. We’ve got to report the place we’re and he’s nonetheless underneath investigation.

“We’re looking for the explanation for it, which isn’t obvious, and we are going to hold all people 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 drawback 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 verify to all people this isn’t a retirement name – he’s not – he was vibrant and breezy after his gallop however we’ve this problem,” mentioned Mr Henderson.

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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 staff since 2014, who’s enthusiastic about all equestrian sports activities, together with racing and point-to-pointing. She has loved using out for prime trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took half in a charity Flat race at in August 2018. Gemma’s reporting skills have taken her to quite a few five-star occasions round Britain and Europe, in addition to European championships.