Now into his 70's, this elder statesman of National Hunt racing shows no signs of slowing down and will be looking to build on his pair of Cheltenham Gold Cup wins, nine Champion Hurdles and six Queen Mother Champion Chase victories.
Henderson's early career
Yet, like fellow future Champion trainer Paul Nicholls, Henderson's stint in the saddle was merely a warm up for a career in training. Henderson took out his training licence in 1978, the same year as his final win in the saddle aboard Rolls Rambler at Stratford.
Becoming a trainer
From Seven Barrows to the new Millennium
Big race winners
🗣 ‘It’s the old guard that shows the way! Imperial Commander, Kauto Star and Denman, a who’s who of Gold Cup history!’ - @RichardHoiles with one of the greatest calls of all time as Long Run’s younger legs claimed Gold Cup success in 2011 🏆 #CheltenhamFestival pic.twitter.com/F7SR4tCmOf
— Freebets.com (@FreeBetsDotCom) March 19, 2021
Sprinter Sacre
Altior
ALTIOR destroys the field in the Tingle Creek. All roads lead to the Champion Chase in March. What a champion. pic.twitter.com/BVwhLO8jeg
— Kris (@kris1179) December 8, 2018
Constitution Hill and Shishkin
Unsurprisingly, Henderson had a new crop of superstars to take on the baton from Altior.
Then, Epatante continued to showcase the frightening Henderson-McManus hurdling talent with a three length success from Sharjah in the 2020 Champion Hurdle. Champ chipped in for the Irish owner by winning the 2020 RSA Novices' Chase from future Gold Cup winner Minella Indo.
Shishkin was sensational in the Arkle 👏🏽pic.twitter.com/KTbGBe0fni
— Racing Tales (@Racing_Tales) March 19, 2021