Nicky Henderson has provided an update that Sir Gino is “bright and comfortable” at Donnington Grove Equine Hospital.
The five-year-old was labelled as one of the "bankers" of the week heading into the Cheltenham Festival following his explosive chasing debut success in the Wayward Lad at Kempton over Christmas, but he has subsequently been ruled out for the remainder of the season after Henderson revealed a hind leg infection would require specialist treatment.
Sir Gino, who had been set to contest the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury earlier this month, is now situated at Donnington Grove, where Nicky Henderson and his wife Sophie paid a visit to their injured stable star.
Speaking via X, Henderson said: "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."
As a result of Sir Gino's absence, last year's Triumph Hurdle winner Majborough is now a general 8/11 chance to claim the Arkle Trophy for Willie Mullins and JP McManus.
