Pure class SHISHKIN SET FOR FESTIVAL GLORY

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 answered our calls so we’re looking forward to what he can do.”

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 Shishkin.

“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 under Tony McCoy. 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 a little 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 defeat at Kempton on Boxing Day. “It was her back, more than anything, I think,” he added.

“That is what we have been trying to sort out. Something was agitating her on the day.”

Takingrisks, winner of the

2019 Scottish Grand National, is on course for another crack at the Ayr marathon after his victory in the Sky Bet Chase.

Trainer Nicky Richards called the veteran ‘a lion’ after the

12-year-old arrived late in the hands of Sean Quinlan when chinning the gallant Aye Right on the winning

line.

PROCESSION: Shishkin cruises to victory at Doncaster