CALUM McCLURKIN: The four Henderson heroes that prove form is temporary and class is permanent
CALUM McCLURKIN: The four Henderson heroes that prove form is temporary and class is permanent
Share:
Ten months ago the Nicky Henderson yard were beginning to start the recovery mission. Their string for the 2024 Cheltenham Festival were wiped out by a nasty bug and critics were circling. The only man that could defy the Irish siege in those top-class races for the four days in March was left utterly defenceless.
![[Constitution Hill wins the International Hurdle and is on track for the Champion Hurdle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/17/94510431-0-image-a-2_1737826296729.jpg)
But as the old adage goes form is temporary but class is permanent. My goodness how Henderson has shown that to be true. There were genuine fears that the yard couldn’t hit the dizzying heights of old. His eyesight might be deteriorating but Henderson’s instinct around a racehorse is genius. It’s something a precious few have; Willie Mullins, Aidan O’Brien, John Gosden and Henderson are in a league of their own when coaxing the very best out of top-notch horses.
![[Sir Gino is warm order for the Arkle Novices' Chase and is another bright prospect at the yard]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/17/94510433-0-image-a-3_1737826322956.jpg)
With seven weeks to the Festival, the team at Seven Barrows are in rude health and everyone hopes it will stay that way. His star quartet all look potentially unbeatable if they get there in A1 order. And that’s probably the big question right now because there is no denying their ability and current superiority.
![[Lulamba made a striking impression on British debut and is favourite for the Triumph Hurdle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/17/94510435-0-image-a-6_1737826560816.jpg)
Let’s start with current Champion Chase favourite Jonbon, who comfortably put Energumene away in last week’s Clarence House Chase. Unbeaten outside of Cheltenham, the nine-year-old seems to be maturing with age. Being ridden aggressively seems to be the key but he’s relaxing well enough in his races to see things out better. His jumping is also more assured than it has been in the past.
![[Jonbon is improving with age as a nine-year-old and holds leading claims at the Festival]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/25/17/94510437-0-image-a-7_1737826611860.jpg)
.jpg?trim=85,0,86,0&quality=75&auto=webp&width=1000)
-Cropped.png?width=1200&auto=webp)