Arkle-bound Sir Gino faces uncertain run-in after injury scuppers Newbury tilt

Sir Gino and Nico de Boinville on their way to winning the Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton Park in December. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA

Sir Gino, the odds-on favourite for the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham’s festival meeting next month, will miss his intended prep run in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on Saturday after sustaining “a small wound” during routine exercise, Nicky Henderson, the gelding’s trainer, said on Friday.

Sir Gino, who was the hot favourite for last season’s Triumph Hurdle before he was forced to miss the festival when Henderson’s string was badly affected by a virus, made a huge impression on his chasing debut at Kempton in December, beating Ballyburn – a Grade One winner in Ireland last weekend – with ease.