Racing mourns "warrior" Shishkin's passing

Nicky Henderson: “He was our star and we will never forget him.”

Nicky Henderson reported the shocking news that popular stable star Shishkin passed away as a result of an injury sustained at Seven Barrows. 

The 10-year-old was scheduled to compete on Wednesday in the Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup.

Shishkin won 14 of his 21 races, including the 2020 Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the following season’s Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

His notable victory over Energumene in the 2022 Clarence House Chase at Ascot was one of his other Grade One victories.

His connections had experienced an emotional rollercoaster this season, with Shishkin declining to start at Ascot and splitting with Nico de Boinville two out in the King George when leading.

After winning the Denman Chase at Newbury in February, he secured what would be his last achievement by placing fourth in the Aintree Bowl on his final race.

Henderson said the following in a statement on X: “Tragically we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg. Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico and George are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend and warrior has gone. He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning but sadly this is now not to be. He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that – except the King George is not in it, even though we believe it should have been. The Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and the Arkle were his Cheltenham highlights, but the battle with Energumene in the Clarence House at Ascot was probably his greatest. This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.”