Sprinter team rule out King George

Trainer Nicky Henderson insists superstar chaser Sprinter Sacre will not be entered in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on December 26.

The seven-year-old remains unbeaten after 10 starts over fences, turning in a mesmerising display in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March before following up at Aintree and Punchestown.

Although he has yet to encounter three miles, King George sponsors William Hill make Sprinter Sacre the 6-4 favourite for the Festive showpiece, but Henderson warns punters to save their money.

“They can put him in the betting all they like, but it’s daylight robbery if they’re going to convince anyone to back him because he won’t even be entered,” the Seven Barrows handler told Channel 4 Racing.

Henderson reports the seven-year-old as “looking absolutely fantastic”, and suggests he is likely to take in an identical programme to last season, starting off with the Tingle Creek at Sandown in early December.

After watching Sprinter Sacre engage in his first canter, in which he was joined by Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth, Henderson said: “I call it a canter, but I could run faster myself.”

The champion jumps trainer acknowledges it is important for the sport that Sprinter Sacre maintains his air of invincibility in the coming season.

“Good horses are good for racing, I don’t think there’s any doubt about that,” he said.

“Nobody enjoyed Frankel or Sea The Stars more than I did. People who love racing love good horses, that’s what it’s all about.

“For all the great days out for Sprinter last year, the staggering one was Punchestown. It was the most extraordinary experience.

“Ireland is a great country and they love their horses there. The welcome and the reception they gave us afterwards was just unbelievable.

“They said it was one of the greatest days they had ever seen, and it was.”