Nicky Henderson wary as Sprinter Sacre returns to action

Trainer Nicky Henderson’s nerves are on edge ahead of Sprinter Sacre’s seasonal return at Kempton for the Desert Orchid Chase today.

The king of steeplechasing returns to action against Sire De Grugy and four other rivals in a contest to which so many are looking forward. But for Henderson, it’s a nerve-wracking time. Asked on the course yesterday if he sleeps well before the horse runs, he replied: “No, and I certainly won’t tonight”.

"In fact, for two pins I'd take him out now. I hate it, I absolutely dread it. Is he vulnerable? Of course he's vulnerable. He's as vulnerable as he's ever been. He's well, he seems to be over his little problem and I'm pleased with him but the purpose of this run is to bring him on for [the Clarence Hourse Chase] Ascot and he's going to come on for it.

“He’s up against Sire De Grugy, who is basically the best there is bar him on this side of the Irish Sea – in fact, it’s a situation not unlike My Tent Or Yours and The New One. They are the best in Britain and if he’s going to be found out, it could be here.”

Only “a ridiculous amount of rain”, the trainer adds, would see Sprinter Sacre ruled out of the race due to the going, despite it catching out some of Henderson’s other runners yesterday.

Last week, jockey Barry Geraghty reported the seven-year-old to be "flying" at home as he seeks his to extend his 10-race unbeaten record over fences.