Nicky Henderson has allayed any concerns about the health of Sprinter Sacre, confirming the dual Champion Chase hero is currently undergoing treatment for a “minor bang”.
A Gofundme page was set up by Vicki Roberts, who has taken care of Caroline Mould’s chasing star in retirement, asking for contributions towards veterinary fees after the now 20-year-old suffered an accident in the field.
Over £3,500 has been raised by racing supporters in the few hours the page has been live, but the master of Seven Barrows has confirmed he will be covering the cost of any treatment Sprinter Sacre requires, while explaining one of his finest alumni will make a full recovery.
Henderson told the Press Association: “Sprinter Sacre is fine, it’s a minor bang on the inside of a splint bone and they are just going to remove a little chip. It’s very simple and he will be fine, everyone will be fine.
“He’s gone down to our own vets and they are going to have a look at it and send me the bill. They are our vets and at the end of the month they will put it on my bill.
“The bill has been paid but I’ve suggested to Vicki that the money that has been collected could be donated to Racing Welfare.”
Sprinter Sacre amassed over £1.1million in prize-money during a 24-race career that yielded 18 victories and included performances which made him one of the most popular racehorses of the 21st century.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of his famous second success in the Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, with Sprinter Sacre recovering from a heart issue to triumph as a 10-year-old under current Henderson number one Nico de Boinville, three years after first landing the two-mile championship.