Nicky Henderson touched by racing-world support for Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig

Nicky Henderson trained Sprinter Sacre to nine Grade One wins

Trainer Nicky Henderson says he was touched to receive support from across the racing world after Sprinter Sacre's retirement and the death of Simonsig.

Henderson confirmed on Sunday at Cheltenham's Open that a tendon injury had forced Sprinter Sacre's retirement.

On the same day, grey Simonsig was put down after breaking a leg in a fall at the third fence of the Shloer Chase.

"It will be a weekend I will never forget and not for the right reasons," Henderson told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"But, we have to pick ourselves up and crack on. Sunday night and Monday morning were tough for everyone at the yard, but the place can't go into meltdown."

Henderson and his team from Seven Barrows Stables in Lambourn, Berkshire will shift their immediate focus to the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on 26 November.

Nine-year-old Triolo D'Alene and seven-year-old grey Vyta Du Roc will be among his runners in the sport's richest handicap chase at his home racecourse.

"To lose two absolute racing superstars will rock anybody, especially the way it all happened," Henderson added. "But, we know we're all in a very tough game and these things will happen.

"But, this sport is a very close-knit family, whether it's horse-owners, jockeys or racing-goers, we're all very tight.

"I can't even read all the things that people have written about Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig, they're fantastic.

"I wish Sprinter could read it, but I'll read it to him."