'Firestep could be a top dog but there are more' - Henderson on his youngsters

Much of Britain might be in the grip of a cost of living crisis, but the influx of young talent at Seven Barrows rarely slows down and this summer has been no different.

Nicky Henderson, like most trainers, has seen his costs rise, but – in collusion with sales sidekick David Minton – admitted he could not resist some recent purchases.

"It's difficult when you go to these sales and Minty and I have gone through pages of catalogues," he said.

"When you see something you fall in love with, I find it hard to stop Minty bidding. Consequently, we have some lovely youngsters who need owners, but they're here, broken in, cantered and promise plenty if anyone is interested."

David Minton: Henderson's transfer guruCredit: Patrick McCann

is not a new signing but is expected to be right at the top of the novice hurdle pecking order in 2022-23.

"I stood here 12 months ago thinking he was going to be one of the top dogs," said the trainer, who is mustard in the division.

"He looks fantastic, but I thought him and would be stars last season and you hardly saw them.

"It might be a blessing Firestep didn't run as he's a massive, big horse now. is another quality horse for novice hurdles, as is , a distant relation to Altior.

"We like a lot and has lots going for him, while is more than capable.

" is an interesting point-to-point bumper winner who probably didn't beat much but was wildly impressive, and I think is good. I thought he'd be a machine, but he had issues.

", like plenty of these, is a future chaser but should have a lucrative time over hurdles first, and the good-looking has joined us too."

He added: "From the pointing ranks, is lovely, does everything nicely, and are talented, and and are exciting embryonic chasers, while I can't wait to see in action.

"JP [McManus] has two very nice French AQPS winners in Impose Toi and Iberico Lord, and Easy Rider, Cadell, Immortal and haven't run but are worth remembering. I can't help but be excited about that lot."

Read more from Seven Barrows . . .

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'Fair fight' with Energumene top of Shishkin's agenda after Champion Chase flop

Trip mulled for Epatante after 'great season' and Constitution Hill emergence

'I've not got a better contender' – Henderson to point exciting Jonbon at Arkle

Henderson set for Moore team up on 'considerably improved' Cesarewitch favourite

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