Trainer Nicky Henderson has admitted he is still waiting for expert opinion on the splint problem currently troubling Simonsig.

The grey gelding has had to endure a number of injuries over the last 18 months and his latest problem caused him to miss Saturday’s Tinge Creek Chase at Sandown.

He was the heavy favourite leading up to the race but suffered another splint issue, although Henderson is adamant it is not the same problem that caused him to miss the 2013/14 season.

The nine-year-old also missed the majority of the last campaign but connections were confident he was back to his best after he finished second behind stablemate Bobs Worth over hurdles at Aintree last month.

However, Henderson has now admitted that he still does not know when he will be available to race again.

“We have taken X-rays this evening and they will now go off to be looked at and then the boffins will decide what we need to do,” he said.

“We know it’s a splint and while he has had problems with this before – it caused him to miss quite a lot of time two years ago – it is on completely the opposite leg this time.

“It’s not an uncommon problem in horses, but this doesn’t seem to be related to his previous issues.

“He’s sore on it and we will have to see what the experts say. I couldn’t tell you how long it’s going to be at this stage.”