Akimos

Akimos is a striking grey gelding in training with Nicky Henderson, who has already shown a good level of ability over hurdles and has now begun what looks like a promising transition to chasing.

He was purchased by Highflyer Bloodstock for £54,000 at the Goffs January Sale, having come highly recommended by Nicky, who was keen to keep him at Seven Barrows. Here’s Nicky to tell you more:

Akimos shaped with plenty of promise on his racecourse debut in a competitive introductory hurdle at Newbury, staying on strongly behind more experienced and expensive rivals. He built on that effort when opening his account at Ffos Las, showing a pleasing turn of foot to win with authority, before going close on his seasonal reappearance at Sandown, where he was only narrowly denied by a well-regarded opponent.

He continued to run respectably in handicap company, including at Leicester, where conditions were not ideal, before making his debut over fences at Sandown. Finishing fifth, the bare result does not tell the full story. Racing on ground that had turned much softer than expected, conditions were against him, but he still showed plenty of promise. He travelled well, jumped soundly for the most part, and handled the demands of a stiff track on his first start over fences, shaping as though he will benefit significantly from both the experience and a return to better ground.

His sire, Westerner, was a top-class stayer on the Flat and has become a leading National Hunt stallion, producing the likes of Cole Harden, Total Recall and Love Envoi. His dam, Redemption Song, was a multiple winner herself and comes from a family that includes smart performers such as Duffle Coat and Starchitect.

Akimos has always been viewed as a long-term chasing type, and this initial run over fences suggested there is plenty to build on. With better ground, more experience, and a spring campaign ahead, he looks well placed to progress in this sphere and should be capable of winning races as he develops.

Nicky Henderson LVO OBE, is based at Seven Barrows near Lambourn, Berkshire. Nicky hit 3000 career wins in July 2018 and has been crowned Champion Trainer six-times during the course of his career. He has a formidable Cheltenham Festival record, having sent out over 70 winners there, nine of which have come from the Champion Hurdle.

Nicky was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2020 New Year Honours for services to horse racing. Nicky has trained some spectacular Jumpers during his time, dominating the two-mile chasing scene with Sprinter Sacre and Altior. His yard is currently home to some of the best horses in the National Hunt Sphere, such as Constitution Hill and Jonbon.