Sprinter set for Sandown
Tuesday 21 April 2015 16:58, UK
Nicky Henderson would have no qualms about letting Nico De Boinville ride Sprinter Sacre in the Bet365 Celebration Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
With the chance of Barry Geraghty returning from a broken leg in time reportedly slim, Sprinter Sacre's work rider may get the chance to ride him in a race for the first time on the final day of the National Hunt season.
De Boinville has already proven his big-race credentials this season by winning the Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Coneygree.
Henderson confirmed the former champion chaser, along with 2013 Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, would both run at Sandown but for once Sprinter Sacre will not be the headline act with Tony McCoy's farewell quite rightly taking top billing.
Henderson said: "We've been saying for the last week or so the intention was to run Sprinter (Sacre) and Bob's Worth and after seeing them both work this morning, that is the plan.
"I'm very happy with Sprinter, obviously. I wouldn't be running him otherwise.
"It's going to be an enormous day all round and the great thing about AP in this instance is that he's taking the pressure off us and Sprinter for a change!"
On riding plans for the pair, the trainer said: "That isn't a worry to me at the moment. Nico knows him backwards, so that isn't an issue. I think Barry is going to ride a horse tonight and then see the doctor in the morning. It isn't really a problem either way.
"It's the same with Bob's Worth. We have everything covered and we'll see who's fit and available nearer the time.
"Like Sprinter he's doing everything we've wanted him to do and he worked very nicely this morning as well.
"With the wind behind them, hopefully they'll both be there on Saturday."
