Liam Firkin provides some insight on Nick Henderson's stable after a recent yard tour.
Jango Set for Some Time on the Sidelines
Last year’s Gold Cup runner-up will have to spend some time away from the track after suffering an early-season setback. The brilliant winner at both Ascot and Aintree last season, who also went close in the major staying honours, will not be seen in the early part of the season.
Nicky Henderson wouldn’t be drawn on whether he would definitely line up in the King George, or indeed be ready by that point, and I would suggest that leaving him alone from a betting perspective would be wise at this moment in time.
Hopefully, he can get back on track after Christmas and we can see him do battle again for jump racing’s blue-riband event at Cheltenham.
Stable Stars
Jonbon
He will remain at the two-mile trip, at least for the time being, with the Schloer Chase and Tingle Creek being early-season aims. However, a step up in trip seems inevitable, with Nicky Henderson confirming that the 10-year-old and multiple Grade 1 winner will line up over further, although the King George would not appear to be part of that plan.
Henderson was quite forthcoming about his reluctance to run him over three miles at Christmas, and it would appear that the intermediate chases towards the latter end of the season are more likely to be his bag.
Constitution Hill
The most talked-about horse in training is as docile as Nicky Henderson has always said. He is such a contrast at home to the electric performances we see on a racecourse and, although his days over obstacles are over, Nicky Henderson may have one final plan up his sleeve.
Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, and I’m sure meant in jest, Nicky suggested that if a petition was not approved the following Saturday for Kempton to remain open rather than be sold for housing development, he would put Constitution Hill back in his box and gladly drive back to Seven Barrows without his superstar participating in his anticipated reappearance.
One thing that was certain was Henderson’s passionate defence of Kempton remaining open for racing. Should it take an act of this nature for others to join the cause, then I don’t mind it one bit.
Old Park Star
This horse would appear to have a fantastic temperament, and novice chasing was mentioned not once but multiple times, although always caveated with the words “we’re almost sure”.
I would imagine that you’ll see the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle winner over fences this season, and one of the reasons for that is that Henderson didn’t believe he could win a Champion Hurdle.
Lulamba
“We tried to make him a two-miler last season and he won’t be running over that trip again” was the first thing Nicky said, followed by the suggestion that he will start off in intermediate chases. There’s definitely a feeling that he may be better over three miles, with both Nicky and Lulamba’s work rider saying as much.
Whether that leaves the door open for a tilt at the King George at Christmas is still unknown, especially given that the same ownership has the Kauto Star winner across the Irish Sea.
Act Of Innocence
Nicky Henderson is extremely fond of this horse and talks glowingly about him, with chasing seemingly the route he is likely to take.
When asked whether he could potentially come back in trip, Henderson was quite dismissive of the idea, especially given that he is in the same ownership as Old Park Star.
Handicappers
Jingko Blue
A horse that trotted in the first lot this morning, and Nicky repeatedly said: “That’s a very good horse.”
Perhaps the ceiling has not yet been reached with the Coral Cup winner, who made all at Cheltenham in 2026 and wasn’t for catching. He followed that win up by scoring in a Grade 2 at Sandown and, given that he is only seven years of age, his stamina may improve further.
Nicky may be eyeing a tilt at the Stayers’ Hurdle, or perhaps he will be tenderly campaigned in order to give him a shot at retaining his Cheltenham crown.
Holloway Queen
The National Hunt Chase-winning mare seems to have one main target in the early part of the season, and that would be the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury.
Panic Attack won it last year and, if she gets the ideal ground conditions, she could be a player for Nicky Henderson as he tries to make it two consecutive wins for mares.
Ones to Watch
Moises Has A Boat
Nicky’s first observation was that he doesn’t understand the name, as Moses parted the sea and it was in fact Noah who had the boat.
Once the in-form champion trainer got to talking about the horse’s ability, it was well worth listening to:
“He’s not the typical sort of horse we’d buy, but he was very flashy when he won in France. He was very impressive, and we bought him within 10 minutes of the race.”
One for the notebook.
Planters Punch
Henderson is clearly a big fan of the introduction of the junior hurdles for three-year-olds, and he utilised them for Planters Punch last season, meaning he is unbeaten in three starts and still retains his novice status heading into this season.
Henderson seemed excited about the progression that could come from him, with the added benefit of some valuable experience already under his belt.
Prince Rupert
Nicky’s monster.
At over 17 hands, he is the biggest and heaviest horse that has ever been at Seven Barrows and one that Henderson is excited about for the forthcoming season.
He had one outing in 2025/26, at Kempton, where he won a bumper with ease.
Roccontier
Another from the Junior Hurdle ranks who bolted in at Market Rasen by 18L and Nicky Henderson thinks he could be a bit special. That form has since been franked with the second place horse now going onto win.
He is from a Sire (Frontiersman) that Nicky likes to purchase and he is the latest that may be one to follow this season.
Notable Mentions
Feel Gut
Now stands in the box that was previously occupied by Sir Gino. Whether that tells us anything at all, I don’t know.
Crystal Island
Will go novice chasing this season and, although he lost his way slightly in the middle of last season, which led to a break from the racecourse, he then got back on track and maintained his unbeaten record for the yard.
Ginny’s Destiny
Is still yet to make his first appearance for his new yard after suffering a setback last season, but is now able to run in veterans’ chases, which is where Nicky Henderson has alluded to aiming him.
