2 weeks ago
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NICKY HENDERSON has confirmed two huge names will replace Nico de Boinville on Constitution Hill and Jonbon.
And he revealed a shock Punchestown run is on the cards for Lulamba after his Cheltenham Festival heartbreak.
James Bowen, brother to fellow jockey Sean, is set to have the biggest rides of his life on Constitution Hill and LulambaPAHendo’s No1 rider spent a night in hospital after a terrible fall at Plumpton on Easter Monday.
He was kicked in the back by As The Fella Says when departing at the first flight in a handicap hurdle.
The extent of his injuries means he will miss the money-spinning end to the jumps season which takes in Sandown this weekend and Punchestown Festival in Ireland next weekend.
But the crafty veteran boss has moved quickly to secure two big names for his top equine talent.
Henderson confirmed on Wednesday that Mark Walsh will replace De Boinville on Jonbon when he goes for a third straight Celebration Chase at the Surrey track.
Walsh, who won the Gold Cup on Inothewayurthinkin, is Jonbon owner JP McManus’ No1 rider and a logical choice.
While James Bowen, brother to Irish Grand National-winning rider Sean, is the man picked for two possibly seismic rides on Constitution Hill and Lulamba in Ireland next week.
Henderson said in a statement: “Firstly I want to say thank you to everyone for their thoughts and kind messages following Nico’s fall, which we have passed onto him.
“He is now back at home and will need to rest. We don’t know exactly when he’ll be back riding but we wish him a speedy recovery.
“In the meantime we do have to make riding plans for our horses and Mark Walsh will come over to Sandown Park on Saturday to ride Jonbon.
“Constitution Hill has an important gallop on Friday and he will be partnered by James Bowen.
“If that goes well they will school together over the weekend and if we get a double green light so to speak then we can all head over to Punchestown.
“Everything hinges on how this weekend goes.
“Lulamba is in great form and could also head over.
“It’s a brave shout but I’m very happy with him and James would also take ride if we line up.”
More to follow.
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