Sir Gino is “bright and comfortable” as he remains at Donnington Grove Equine Hospital following the hind leg infection that has forced him to sit out the rest of the season.

The five-year-old was one of the great British hopes for the Cheltenham Festival after making a flawless start to his chasing career when landing the Wayward Lad by a huge margin just after Christmas.

His prior hurdling form was something special too, meaning the hind leg wound that initially ruled him out of the Game Spirit and then the season entirely was a huge blow to Nicky Henderson’s team.

What initially seemed a small wound developed into an infection that reached the ligaments in his leg, and the affliction has required specialist treatment.

Sir Gino is still at Donnington Grove and has been visited by Henderson and his wife Sophie, with the trainer saying via X: “Sophie and I went to see Sir Gino yesterday afternoon and he seemed very pleased to see us, mainly due to the carrots. But I have to say he was very bright and comfortable.

“To be fair the situation has not changed at all but that is essentially good news.

“We obviously hope this can be maintained over the next week or so. The veterinary team plan to scan him again tomorrow which will of course be interesting.

“He was allowed to take a few steps and he was definitely sound which is always encouraging.”