Nicky Henderson confirms two huge names to replace injured Nico de Boinville on Constitution Hill and Jonbon
NICKY HENDERSON has confirmed two huge names will replace Nico de Boinville on Constitution Hill and Jonbon.
And he revealed a shock Punchestown run is on the cards for Lulamba after his Cheltenham Festival heartbreak.
Hendo’s No1 rider spent a night in hospital after a terrible fall at Plumpton on Easter Monday.
He was kicked in the back by As The Fella Says when departing at the first flight in a handicap hurdle.
The extent of his injuries means he will miss the money-spinning end to the jumps season which takes in Sandown this weekend and Punchestown Festival in Ireland next weekend.
But the crafty veteran boss has moved quickly to secure two big names for his top equine talent.
Henderson confirmed on Wednesday that Mark Walsh will replace De Boinville on Jonbon when he goes for a third straight Celebration Chase at the Surrey track.
Walsh, who won the Gold Cup on Inothewayurthinkin, is Jonbon owner JP McManus’ No1 rider and a logical choice.
While James Bowen, brother to Irish Grand National-winning rider Sean, is the man picked for two possibly seismic rides on Constitution Hill and Lulamba in Ireland next week.
Henderson said in a statement: “Firstly I want to say thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind messages following Nico’s fall, which we have passed onto him.
“He is now back at home and will need to rest. We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back riding but we wish him a speedy recovery.
“In the meantime we do have to make riding plans for our horses and Mark Walsh will come over to Sandown Park on Saturday to ride Jonbon.
“Constitution Hill has an important gallop on Friday and he will be partnered by James Bowen.
“If that goes well they will school together over the weekend and if we get a double green light so to speak then we can all head over to Punchestown.
“Everything hinges on how this weekend goes.
“Lulamba is in great form and could also head over.
“It’s a brave shout but I’m very happy with him and James would also take ride if we line up.”
Jonbon is 8-11 to defend his Grade 1 title at Sandown and scoop the £100,000 first-place prize.
But Constitution Hill will be on the mother of all recovery missions if deemed well enough to run at Punchestown.
He could be set for a truly blockbuster showdown against Willie Mullins’ pair State Man and Lossiemouth, plus Gordon Elliott’s Brighterdaysahead.
Constitution Hill has fallen on his past two runs – first when cruising in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham then when desperately trying to make up ground against Lossiemouth at Aintree.
Lulamba was one of several Henderson horses pulled from Aintree on account of the ground.
He too is looking to get his career back on track after being pipped by Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s freak 100-1 outsider Poniros in the Triumph Hurdle.
FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.