Nicky Henderson’s Mare Joyeuse Dominates £100,000 William Hill Handicap Hurdle at Newbury After Sir Gino’s Injury Prevents Race Entry

Nicky Henderson may have been hoping for a different outcome at Newbury on Super Saturday, but in the end, it was his mare Joyeuse who ended up taking the spotlight with an outstanding victory.

Sir Gino’s Injury Disrupts Plans

The big news was supposed to be around Henderson’s promising horse, Sir Gino, who was set to run in the prestigious Game Spirit Chase.

However, a slight injury put a stop to those plans, leaving the exciting novice unable to compete.

In Sir Gino’s absence, the 11-1 outsider, Master Chewy, seized the opportunity and claimed the Grade Two prize for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies.

Joyeuse Dominates the Field

Despite the setback, Henderson wasn’t about to let the day pass without a win.

Joyeuse, who was priced at 9-2, delivered an unforgettable performance in the £100,000 William Hill Handicap Hurdle.

This race is often won by horses on the up, and Joyeuse certainly lived up to that reputation.

She powered through the field, leaving the others behind, with jockey Nico de Boinville struggling to keep a firm grip on her as she surged to the front.

Once she took the lead at the final hurdle, it was clear she wasn’t going to be caught.

Her performance was so dominant that it left no doubt about her class.

What’s Next for Joyeuse?

While Joyeuse was impressive enough to attract attention for the Cheltenham Festival’s handicaps, she won’t be eligible due to having raced only four times.

In fact, Henderson believes she’s too good for that level, suggesting that bigger things lie ahead for her.

Celebrating his seventh win in the historic race, Henderson described the victory as “perfection.”

When asked about her future, he confirmed she wouldn’t be heading for a Cheltenham handicap and mentioned there would be no further races to qualify her.

Sir Gino’s Status Update

As for Sir Gino, Henderson provided an update, reassuring fans that the injury wasn’t serious.

“He is sound, thankfully,” Henderson said.

“I would be mortified if you didn’t see him again before Cheltenham.

We are looking at Kempton or Bangor-on-Dee as his next targets.”

Henderson’s Super Saturday may not have gone exactly as planned, but with Joyeuse’s dominant win, it was still a day to remember.