2 minutes The absence of Shishkin might provide an advantage for the reigning champion, Galopin Des Champs.
Nicky Henderson has made the difficult choice to withdraw Shishkin from the upcoming Gold Cup due to concerns over an unidentified illness affecting his stable. This follows the news that Henderson pulled three horses from day two of Cheltenham. The head of Seven Barrows, who last celebrated a victory in this race with Bobs Worth in 2013, has also decided to pull several other horses from this crucial week.
The absence of Shishkin might provide an advantage for the reigning champion, Galopin Des Champs. Considered the top contender by betting sites, Willie Mullins' exceptional runner is expected to win again at 3.30pm on Friday.
In the lead-up to the Cheltenham Festival, Henderson's team was experiencing a lack of success, exemplified by Constitution Hill's withdrawal from the Champion Hurdle, a race ultimately won by State Man.
This highlighted the significant issues within the stable. The respected trainer has consistently been open with fans during this difficult period, and he has now disclosed that two of his leading horses, Shishkin and Champ, will miss Cheltenham this week after undergoing health checks.
A Statement from Henderson
Henderson shared on X:
"Regrettably, Shishkin will not compete in the Gold Cup on Friday. Like all our potential entries this week, he underwent a health check, which unfortunately revealed concerning results, preventing his participation.
"Despite appearing in excellent condition and performing well in training and schooling, we were eagerly anticipating Friday. We hope that he, along with the other horses not racing this week, will return for the Aintree or Punchestown festivals."
Shishkin had been a strong contender for the Gold Cup following an encouraging performance in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, where a mishap with Nico de Boinville prevented a strong finish. The horse redeemed himself in the Denman Chase, and his team is hopeful he will compete successfully in other prestigious festivals later in the season.
On Wednesday, three of Henderson's horses, Jingko Blue, Doddiethegreat, and Lucky Place, are scheduled to race at Cheltenham, and he is optimistic about their potential to make an impact. Ante-post bettors are also keenly awaiting Sir Gino's participation in the Triumph Hurdle on Friday, following his impressive victory in the January trial. The horse has been confirmed to race.
| Gold Cup Runners and Odds (Nags Bet) | |
|---|---|
| Galopin Des Champs | 11/10 |
| Fastorslow | 4/1 |
| Gerri Colombe | 10/1 |
| Bravemansgame | 12/1 |
| L'Homme Presse | 12/1 |
| Hewick | 14/1 |
| Gentlemansgame | 16/1 |
| Corach Rambler | 20/1 |
| Monkfish | 20/1 |
| Nassalam | 33/1 |
| The Real Whacker | 33/1 |
| Jungle Boogie | 40/1 |
