Sir Gino, one of the hottest favourites for next month’s Cheltenham Festival, has been admitted to an equine hospital and is out for the season.

The unbeaten Arkle Chase favourite, trained by Nicky Henderson, was ruled out of his intended run at Newbury on Saturday with a leg wound.

But that injury has now become infected and requires hospital treatment.

Henderson said: “Unfortunately Sir Gino’s situation has deteriorated somewhat and he has been admitted to the equine hospital.

“As a result of initial examinations at Donnington Grove, an infection has invaded the ligaments in his near hind leg.

“This will require lengthy treatment that will sadly rule him out of any further racing this season.

“This is a dreadful blow to [owners] Joe and Marie Donnelly and everybody at Seven Barrows, but we will be doing everything possible to help this incredible bright light back to full fitness next season.”

The five-year-old Sir Gino has won all six of his career races and was hugely impressive when beating Ballyburn to win at Kempton in December in his first run over fences.