Henderson dealt Triumph Hurdle blow with setback for Palladium

Nicky Henderson’s JCB Triumph Hurdle hand has been dealt a blow after Palladium was ruled out of the race on Tuesday morning.

The German Derby winner was subject of a €1.4million transfer to Seven Barrows to run in the colours of Lady Bamford and made a winning hurdling debut at Huntingdon in January.

He was set to be part of a two-pronged assault on the day four opener for Henderson alongside leading contender Lulamba and was due to be ridden by champion jockey Harry Cobden.

However, he has now met a setback which will rule him out of the Grade One event, with Henderson now looking towards a return to the level during the summer.

Henderson said in a statement on X: “We have had quite a blow this morning when it appears that Palladium had got cast overnight and is quite sore this morning and we really can’t see how he can be fit to run in the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

“This is dreadful news and an unfair shock for the Bamford family as we seriously thought we had an outstanding chance on Friday.

“We are confident he will soon be able to resume training but he will require a few easy days. He would be back in time for Aintree but I think in all probability he will now return to his Flat career.

“He is a very good looking and talented young horse with a great temperament and he has a really bright future under both codes.”