The 28th of April brought the shocking news that the National Hunt scene had suddenly and unexpectedly lost one of its shining lights.
Late on Sunday evening, Nicky Henderson took to X to report, “Tragically, we’ve lost Shiskin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg” continuing that all associated with the horse were, “…devastated that such a great horse, friend, and warrior has gone.”
We have some very sad news to break this evening regarding Shishkin. pic.twitter.com/RZScNQ3NFG
— Nicky Henderson (@sevenbarrows) April 28, 2024
Sadly, Shiskin will never take up his engagement in the Punchestown Gold Cup, but the brilliant son of Sholokhov nevertheless leaves behind a glittering record and a thrilling highlights reel.
Rapid Ascent to the Top
Recruited from the Point-to-Point scene, Shiskin soon made his presence felt under rules – bolting up in a bumper at Kempton. His hurdles debut at Newbury didn’t go to plan, with a fall at the second flight, but that was no more than a blip.
Two years of domination followed that mishap. 10 starts yielding 10 wins, including the Grade 1 quartet of the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Arkle Challenge Trophy, Maghull Novices’ Chase, and a memorable verdict over dual Champion Chaser Energumene in the Clarence House Chase – a performance widely regarded as the finest of his career.
First Blip and a Spectacular Return to Form
With that incredible run behind him, Shiskin was sent off as the 5/6 favourite for the 2022 Champion Chase, only to run way below form. Pushed along soon after the first, it soon became clear something was amiss, with Nico de Boinville taking the sensible decision to pull the horse up after the eighth. Things weren’t much better in the Tingle Creek Chase as he trailed home well adrift of Edwardstone.
However, if there is one trainer you want on your side in returning a horse to form, it is surely Nicky Henderson. Whilst not quite on the scale of the Lazarus-like Sprinter Sacre, Shiskin’s bounce back was startling, as he pulverised the field in the 2023 Ascot Chase.
The Final Season: Misbehaviour and the King George That Should Have Been
Having ended 2022/23 on such a high, Shiskin’s reappearance in the Spa 1965 Chase was eagerly anticipated – by everyone other than Shiskin, who wasn’t quite ready to commence his season and refused to race.
All horses can be forgiven an off day, and Shiskin appeared set to leave that effort well behind when storming to the head of affairs in the King George. One length clear and going as well as anything over the second last, an inexplicable stumble sent Nico De Boinville crashing to the turf with the festive showpiece seemingly at his mercy.
Shiskin’s only win in what would turn out to be his final year came in the Grade 2 Denman Chase at Newbury – when seeing off Ryanair Chase-winner Protektorat and the talented Hitman in smooth style.
Shiskin departs for the pastures in the sky having won 14 of 21 career starts, including six Grade 1 events – two of which came on the hallowed Prestbury Park turf at the Cheltenham Festival – and having garnered connections a handsome £798,668 in prize money and, just as importntly, memories to last a lifetime.
