Shishkin to Target Punchestown Gold Cup After Aintree Defeat, Confirms Trainer

The Lambourn trainer was pleased with the ten-year-old’s performance at Aintree last week, seeing potential for progress as the 2023-24 season concludes. Shishkin’s season had a rocky start with a refusal at Ascot and an unseat during a challenge in the King George.

He showed improvement by winning Newbury’s Denman Chase in February, but missed the Cheltenham Gold Cup due to Henderson withdrawing his festival contenders. Heading to Aintree following a 61-day break, Henderson anticipates better results in Ireland.

Speaking after Peaky Boy’s victory at Cheltenham, Henderson confirmed Shishkin’s participation at Punchestown, highlighting the lack of suitable races in the current season and the opportunity for consecutive events. Reflecting on Aintree, Henderson observed that Shishkin lacked sharpness over the three miles course and needed a better burst of speed, which he expects to see at Punchestown.

Henderson has achieved four wins from 15 runners at Punchestown in the past five seasons, signifying potential success at the upcoming event. For the best racing offers, Racing Post has consolidated them all in one place.