SHISHKIN IS PURE CLASS
SHISHKIN took a further step towards greatness with an expected flawless victory at Doncaster in the hands of Nico de Boinville.
If there is anyone who knows if Shishkin will become an all-time great and command legendary status it is his rider – but he was not drawing comparisons.
De Boinville without doubt knows what makes a star having partnered Champion Chase winners Sprinter
Sacre and Altior.
“I’m excited about him,” he said. “He’s got it all, he’s answered our calls so we’re looking forward to see what he can achieve.”
Shishkin, unbeaten in his three outings over fences, will now attempt to emulate Sprinter Sacre and Altior by winning the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 44 days’ time.
Nicky Henderson, the trainer of all three horses, like de Boinville, does not single out one horse that stands above the rest but was purring about Shiskin.
“We haven’t used this race before the Arkle with Sprinter Sacre and Altior but we are very lucky to keep finding these seriously good horses,” said Henderson.
“This lad won the Supreme, like Altior, but Sprinter was only third.
“He is different to the other two in a lot of ways as he doesn’t tank through races.the other two were bruisers, they wanted every canter to be a gallop.
“It actually makes things easier with him as you press the button to go faster but you can flick the switch off.”
Henderson, who will be attempting to land a record ninth Champion Hurdle with Epatante, also had an explanation for her surprise defeat at Kempton on Boxing Day.
“It was her back, more than anything, I think and that is what we have been trying to sort out – hopefully we have,” said the champion trainer. “It’s just got her more relaxed in her back and more supple. Something was agitating her.”
Takingrisks, winner of the 2019 Scottish Grand National, is on course for another crack at the Ayr marathon after his courageous victory in the Sky Bet Chase.