NICO DE BOINVILLE is leaving no stone unturned to increase his body strength as his huge comeback to the saddle could happen at any point over the next week or so.
As the picture below shows, Nicky Henderson has got Constitution Hill and Jonbon’s rider mucking out in every sense and there’s no doubt he’s primed for a return.
Nikolai Chastel de Boinville has been absent since a miserable fall at Plumpton in April which left his neck in a mess.
He told me at Seven Barrows on Sunday: “I’m ready and I’m fit as a flea. To be honest right now I’ve got the abs of David Gandy (male model, for those of you like me who had no idea!).”
Henderson has been in the news plenty over the last couple of weeks and has hosted many of his owners to special ‘events’ as the jumps season is on the verge of revving into action.
I was blessed to have the treat of seeing some of his stars at the weekend, and many of them shone in the autumn sunshine.
I know how much so many of you love to see what the horses look like this time of year, so I took a few shots for you all to enjoy.
They included Constitution Hill who is being geared up for the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle and a huge smash up with Dan Skelton’s rising star The New Lion.
Jonbon stood proud, and the classy two-miler will be stepped up in distance at some stage this term. Joyeuse will go novice chasing, as will Lucky Place, who didn’t quite get home in the Stayers’ Hurdle. I suspect he will be very good.
Hyland will surely have another crack at the Grand National, while super novice chaser Jango Baie was lame after Aintree but might well be the type for the King George at Kempton.
Lulamba was the highest rated 4yo of last season and has schooled over fences, and Sir Gino is back and sticking at two mile races. He could head for the Desert Orchid at Kempton over Christmas.
Here you can check out some of those stars…
In other news there was a rare sighting of Richard Quinn at Newmarket on Saturday.
Some of you will be saying, Richard who? Others will remember the top class rider who was once very much associated with the horses of Paul Cole.
‘Quinny’ was mixing around with old buddies Michael and Richard Hills at HQ, and there’s a chance I suspect he will be moving back down South having based himself recently in Scotland.
Quinn was a lovely guy off the track and he once took me sailing in Mauritius. It’s moments like that you don’t forget.
On the track he was not one for giving an inch, and he rode a strong of big-race victories.
They included an Oaks on Love Divine and St Leger thanks to Millenary and Snurge. Her also rode an Irish St Leger victory with Ibn Bey, a Goodwood Cup on Persian Punch and French 1,000 Guineas on Culture Vulture.
Some jockeys you rarely see after retirement and like Jimmy Fortune there’s no doubt Richard Quinn has kept himself to himself.
But he should always know those who saw him ride will never forget him. And fans of the late trainer Reg Akehurst will know when Quinn was on top a gamble it rarely got beat.
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.
