Sir Gino underlined his Champion Hurdle credentials with a superb victory on the Combating Fifth Hurdle in Newcastle.
Within the absence of stablemate Constitution Hill, the 6-5 joint-favourite galloped into the lead on the prime of the straight earlier than securing a cushty win for Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard.
The unbeaten four-year-old and jockey Nico de Boinville completed forward of Lump Sum and Kihavah in second and third, whereas market rival Mystical Energy got here a disappointing sixth.
“It is a aid. It truly is. He’s very, excellent. He has received to show it and he has taken one other step in that path,” stated Henderson.
“We had been very vociferous in our opinion of him, however some individuals doubted him. He’s nearly as good as I’ve seen.”
In the meantime, Kandoo Child gave Paul Nicholls the Coral Gold Cup win in Newbury, ending forward of Broadway Boy.
Victtorino Charlie Deutsch took third place whereas French raider Basic En Chef, who was set for a win however ran out of petrol after the ultimate fence, settled for fourth.
