Shishkin Excluded from Gold Cup Following Unfavourable Scope

Shishkin will not be competing in the upcoming Boodles Gold Cup at Cheltenham this Friday due to an unsatisfactory scope. Trainer Nicky Henderson had already ruled out Jonbon from Wednesday’s Champion Chase, among other horses, following a disappointing performance by five of his six runners on the first day of the Festival.

The stable's form had been a major discussion point leading up to the biggest week of the season, especially after Henderson's star horse, Constitution Hill, showed poor form at Kempton and had to be withdrawn from the Champion Hurdle.

In a recent post on X, formerly Twitter, Henderson stated,

“Unfortunately, it will not be possible for Shishkin to participate in the Gold Cup on Friday. Despite appearing in good spirits and performing exceptionally well in training, an unsatisfactory scope result has made it impossible for him to compete. We hope that Shishkin and other non-participants this week will return in time for Aintree or Punchestown."

Additionally, Champ will also not run in the Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle, with a possible appearance at Aintree on the horizon.

Shishkin was the only horse not declared from the five-day stage, leaving Galopin Des Champs facing 11 rivals in his quest for back-to-back Gold Cups. Trainer Willie Mullins will also be running the promising Monkfish in the race.

Other notable entries include last year’s runner-up Bravemansgame, Grand National winner Corach Rambler, King George hero Hewick, and Gary Moore’s Welsh National champion Nassalam.

Henderson has confirmed Sir Gino as the ante-post JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite in a field of 14, while Mullins accounts for half the entries.

A strong lineup in other races includes runners such as Majborough, Kargese, Storm Heart, Salvator Mundi, Highwind, Ethical Diamond, and Bunting.

Mighty Bandit will be making his debut under Warren Greatrex after previously being with Gordon Elliott.

The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle has 15 contenders, with Mullins fielding Dancing City, Readin Tommy Wrong, Lecky Watson, High Class Hero, and Spread Boss Ted.

In other races, Henderson has declared Shanagh Bob, Captain Teague aims for a win under Paul Nicholls, and Gidleigh Park represents Harry Fry.

The BetMGM County Hurdle has 23 entries, Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase with 11, the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle with 23, and the St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase with 12 contenders.