Whenever you talk about jump racing, Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows yard always comes up. He’s been doing this for decades, producing Champion Hurdlers, Gold Cup contenders, Arkle winners – you name it.
Sure, the last couple of seasons haven’t always gone smoothly. But Henderson still has a team full of horses that can light up Cheltenham, Aintree or Punchestown.
If you’ve been around jump racing long enough, you know Henderson’s way: give a good horse time, pick the right day, and let class do the rest. That’s why his best ones keep coming back year after year.
Some seasons look a bit stop-start from the outside. But then March rolls around and you suddenly remember why Seven Barrows is always in the conversation.
For this piece I’m keeping it simple. No jargon, no spreadsheets. Just the horses I’d tell a friend to keep on a list for the months ahead. Some are obvious, others are a little cheeky, but all of them have a story brewing. You don’t need to know ratings or sectionals to follow this — I’ll stick to plain English and what matters on the day: can the horse travel, jump, and finish off when it counts?
This guide isn’t a stats dump or a cold betting preview – think of it more like a chat in the pub over a pint. I’ve picked out the horses to follow Nicky Henderson for the 2025/26 jumps season. Some are established stars, others are works in progress, but every single one has the potential to make headlines.
And if you’ve missed them, make sure you check out our other Horses to Follow guides on Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott – they tie in perfectly with this one. And if you want the bigger picture, don’t miss our Top Trainers to Follow for the 2025/26 National Hunt season, where Henderson naturally features alongside the other big names.
We’ll keep this guide updated as Nicky Henderson’s horses run throughout the 2025/26 jumps season — check back weekly for performances, results and new analysis from Seven Barrows.
How I picked this list (in plain English)
I looked at three things:
- Recent signs of life — a big run last spring, a tidy comeback, or a hint the penny has dropped.
- Room to grow — horses stepping up in trip, switching to fences, or finally getting a clean run of races.
- The Henderson factor — patience, placement, and that knack of producing one on the right day.
If a horse ticks two out of three, it’s probably one to track this season.
Horses to follow Nicky Henderson – the 2025/26 list
Jonbon
Let’s start with the obvious flagbearer. Jonbon is still the horse everyone associates with Seven Barrows, and he keeps delivering. In January he beat Energumene to win the Clarence House Chase (G1), proving he still has the speed and class at two miles. He later ran second in the Celebration Chase at Sandown, and Henderson has hinted he may even try three miles in the King George VI Chase if things go to plan.
Why follow him? Because he’s still a Champion Chase horse, but with the possibility of stepping up in trip, which could open new doors. Even at nine, he’s Henderson’s headline act.
How to follow this season: Start him off at two miles, respect him wherever he turns up, and don’t panic if the race gets tactical — he’s street-smart now. If connections do flirt with a longer trip mid-winter, treat it as a bonus rather than a gamble. He’s the one you keep onside until he tells you otherwise.
Jango Baie
This lad grabbed the spotlight at Cheltenham in March when he came from the clouds to win the Arkle Novices’ Chase (G1). That performance screamed stamina, and Henderson himself has said he’s excited to step him up to longer trips this season. Don’t be surprised if you see him targeted at 2m4f or even three miles.
Why follow him? Because he’s still unexposed and improving. The Arkle isn’t always a stepping stone to staying chases, but with Jango Baie, it feels like the beginning of something big.
How to follow this season: Think “stamina with gears.” If he goes 2m4f or further, don’t be surprised if he looks even better. He travels kindly and finishes his races, which is gold when the ground gets deep. Great horse to stick with through the season rather than chasing one big day.
Sir Gino
Ah, the great what-if. Sir Gino was the talk of the yard last year, but a nasty infection wiped out his entire season. The good news? Reports from Seven Barrows in September say he’s back in great nick and could reappear around Christmas. Whether he stays over hurdles or goes chasing remains to be seen.
Why follow him? Because if he returns anywhere near the hype, he’s a horse who could end up in Champion Hurdle conversations. High risk, high reward.
How to follow this season: Patience. If the yard whispers are positive and he turns up around Christmas, watch the body language more than the margin. You want to see a smooth rhythm and a tidy jump late on. If he blows away the cobwebs and comes forward, the spring could be fun.
Jeriko Du Reponet
Not flashy, but reliable. Jeriko Du Reponet ran second in the Pertemps Final (G3 handicap hurdle) at Cheltenham before scoring at Punchestown in May. He stays, he jumps, and he fights.
Why follow him? Because in long-distance handicaps, he’s exactly the type you want on your side. Solid, genuine, and improving.
How to follow this season: Treat him like your Sunday saver. He stays, he fights, he handles a battle. On soft ground over a proper trip, he’s the sort that does you a turn when flashier types cry enough. You don’t need fireworks here — just a fair price and the right setup.
Doddiethegreat
Speaking of the Pertemps, Henderson had the one-two last March, and Doddiethegreat was the winner. It was one of those gritty performances that Henderson’s staying hurdlers are known for, and it showed he belongs in big handicaps.
Why follow him? Because once you’ve proven yourself at Cheltenham in a race like the Pertemps, you’re always worth keeping in mind for another big payday.
How to follow this season: He’s earned respect in the long-distance handicaps. Look for him when the pace is honest and the last half-mile becomes a test of heart. If you see him creeping into it two out with ears pricked, you’ll feel very clever very quickly.
Update – November 1, 2025
Doddiethegreat returned to action for the 2025/26 jumps season at Wetherby, finishing third in a small but select 3m Class 1 contest behind Strong Leader and Take No Chances. Sent off at 14/1 with an OR of 142, he made the running for much of the way before a mistake at the seventh flight seemed to knock his rhythm. He was still in the fight approaching the last but lost second place late on. All in all, it was a respectable comeback effort considering the calibre of opposition and conditions.
Iberico Lord
Here’s one for the chasing fans. Iberico Lord made a winning start over fences at Kempton last November and looked the part. He might not yet have the star aura, but he’s consistent and Henderson clearly rates him as a chaser in the making.
Why follow him? Because second-season chasers often take a big leap forward, and Iberico Lord looks like he’s got more to offer.
How to follow this season: Second-season chasers often jump sharper and travel sweeter. If he gets a small-field education early, it could set him up for a nice strike later on. I’d be happy to follow him 2m–2m4f on fair ground and trust Henderson to pick his moments.
Lulamba
Now here’s the exciting youngster. Lulamba burst onto the scene with a brilliant British debut at Ascot, then chased home Lossiemouth in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham. Henderson has called him “anything you want him to be”, and the big decision is whether he sticks to hurdles or tries fences this season.
Why follow him? Because he’s got raw talent and loads of potential. These are the types of horses that can become the next Seven Barrows superstar.
How to follow this season: Keep expectations flexible. If he stays over hurdles, he can boss his age group; if he goes chasing, the raw ability should carry him a long way. You’re following potential here — and the yard knows how to mind a good one.
Joyeuse
Don’t overlook the mares. Joyeuse landed the William Hill Hurdle (G3) at Newbury in February, marking Henderson’s seventh win in that race. She’s quick, tough, and clearly thriving.
Why follow her? Because she gives Henderson a live contender in mares’ hurdles, and those races often throw up good value bets.
How to follow this season: She gives you options in mares’ races and the sharper two-mile tests. If she gets a smooth lead or a sit behind a strong pace, she’s very hard to pass late. She’s the kind who turns winter Saturdays into winning ones.
Impose Toi
A quieter name but one worth noting. Impose Toi was a big winner of a three-mile handicap hurdle at Aintree in April and looks like a horse on the up. He might not have the glamour of Jonbon or Sir Gino, but he’s the kind that can sneak into a big race and get the job done.
Why follow him? Because staying hurdlers like this can pay dividends all season long, especially when the ground turns soft.
How to follow this season: Keep him on your shortlist for three-mile hurdles when the forecast says “bring your wellies.” He’s honest and genuine, which is half the battle in slog-it-out races. Not flashy — but that’s often where the value hides.
Update – November 8, 2025
Impose Toi justified favouritism on his seasonal reappearance, winning a Class 2 contest at Aintree over 3 miles in a field of eight. Sent off at 5/2 with an official rating of 148, he was held up towards the rear early on before making smooth headway two furlongs out. He took the lead approaching the final furlong and won comfortably, showing he’s returned in excellent order for the new jumps season.
What Makes Henderson’s Horses Special
The secret sauce at Seven Barrows is patience. Henderson doesn’t rush his Seven Barrows horses to watch. He lets them mature, often giving them the time they need to grow into their frame before chasing big prizes. That’s why his stars often last longer than most.
He’s also a master at placing his horses – finding the right race at the right time. From Sprinter Sacre to Altior to Constitution Hill, the list of champions speaks for itself. You can also browse his profile on At The Races for more details about his career and current string. And while not every horse here will hit those heights, the same philosophy applies.
The Seven Barrows season map (no jargon, just vibes)
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Blowing away the cobwebs. You’ll see tidy prep runs at tracks that reward rhythm and jumping. Don’t panic if a classy horse finishes second while learning — Henderson plays the long game.
- Mid-winter (Dec–Jan): The sharper ones show their hand. Two-mile chasers get a proper test, and classy hurdlers start to look sharper with each run. This is when the good ones feel “inevitable” half a mile out.
- Late winter (Feb): Decision time. Targets get clearer, ground gets trickier, and Henderson usually wants confidence boosters, not wars. If a horse wins a tidy race without emptying the tank, that’s a very Henderson kind of clue.
- Spring (Mar–Apr): Now you cash your patience. The yard aims to arrive with horses peaking, not peaking-too-soon. If you’ve followed them sensibly through winter, March and April tend to make sense — and make you smile. And if you want to keep track of all the big fixtures, check out our National Hunt 2025/26 calendar – it’s the easiest way to know when and where Henderson’s horses might show up.
Quick FAQ (for normal humans)
Nope. Watch how they travel, how they jump, and what’s left after the last obstacle. If a horse finishes with something in hand, that’s your real clue.
Two or three sensible spins is often enough for a Henderson horse. He’d rather arrive fresh for a big day than milk the tank in January.
There’s always a bit of risk after time off. The first run is about rhythm and confidence. If it’s smooth and tidy, the second run is where you can lean in.
They win on all sorts, but the rule of thumb is: classy horses handle changes better. If your pick has natural pace and relaxes, ground worries shrink.
Pick your battles. Follow a few horses you trust, accept the odd learning run, and aim for spring when Henderson usually presses the right buttons.
Henderson’s key horses to follow this season include Jonbon, Jango Baie, Sir Gino and other rising stars from Seven Barrows. Each has the potential to shine at Cheltenham, Aintree or Punchestown in 2025/26.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – the horses to follow Nicky Henderson, the real Henderson stable stars, that I’ll be keeping close tabs on this season:
- Jonbon – the proven star who might still surprise us.
- Jango Baie – the Arkle hero built for longer trips.
- Sir Gino – the comeback kid with unfinished business.
- Jeriko Du Reponet & Doddiethegreat – the reliable stayers.
- Iberico Lord – a chaser with more gears to find.
- Lulamba – the youngster with superstar potential.
- Joyeuse – the mare who’s hard to ignore.
- Impose Toi – the under-the-radar stayer who could strike again.
That’s my list – but the joy of following Henderson’s team is that he always seems to have another ace hiding somewhere in the yard. For punters and fans alike, these are truly the horses to follow Nicky Henderson as the 2025/26 jumps season unfolds. Which of his horses are you backing this season? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our other Horses to Follow guides for Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott.
If you enjoyed this, bookmark it and check back whenever one of these pops up at the five-day stage. I’ll keep refining my notes as we learn more. And if you’ve got a dark horse from Seven Barrows I’ve missed, drop it in the comments — I love a good stable whisper.
Want more? Dive into my Horses to Follow guides for Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott, and keep an eye on our Top Trainers to Follow hub. And if you’d like a wider view beyond Henderson’s stable, don’t miss our Horses to Follow 2025/26 Jumps Season guide, where I bring together the key names from across the scene. It’s all designed to help you watch smarter, not harder — pint in hand, stress levels low.
Leave a Reply