Shishkin’s Start Refusal Shocks Ascot Onlookers

In a surprising turn of events at Ascot, the highly anticipated Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase witnessed an unexpected twist when Shishkin refused to start. The race eventually unfolded without Nicky Henderson’s top-class chaser, leaving spectators in awe.

The Grade Two contest only attracted four runners, with Paul Nicholls’ Pic D’Orhy emerging victorious under jockey Harry Coben. As the horses prepared to line up at the starting tapes, Shishkin remained motionless and failed to budge.

Nico de Boinville was aboard the short-priced favorite and despite his efforts, he couldn’t coax Shishkin into action. With everyone left bemused by this puzzling occurrence, Pic D’Orhy took charge alongside Minella Drama in the early stages of the race.

As Minella Drama faded away, Straw Fan Jack posed as a potential contender for victory. However, it was Pic D’Orhy who ultimately pulled away from Straw Fan Jack and secured an impressive 16-length win at odds of 5-2.

A Disheartened Henderson Searches for Opportunities Ahead of King George

“What can I say?” expressed a dejected Nicky Henderson following Shishkin’s refusal to start. With limited options available before the King George at Kempton Park on Boxing Day, he now faces a desperate search for suitable opportunities.

“The unfortunate timing led to missed chances,” lamented Henderson regarding an upcoming three-mile hurdle at Newbury. “Did I anticipate this happening? It’s hard to say. Sometimes, horses can be unpredictable when leaving their familiar surroundings and embark on different journeys.”

Concerns arise as Henderson ponders the similarity of Shishkin’s refusal in future starts, especially considering the high-stakes King George event. The possibility of a repeat occurrence weighs heavily on his mind.

“How can I guarantee that he won’t do the same thing again?” questioned Henderson with legitimate worry. “The start at Kempton Park is not an ideal place for such uncertainty.”

Nevertheless, Henderson remains confident in Shishkin’s jumping abilities and acknowledges his occasional quirky behavior. “Despite today’s setback, one thing is certain – Shishkin always jumps off without hesitation,” assured Henderson.

Exploring Alternative Paths

The limited availability of suitable races poses a challenge for Henderson as he seeks alternative options to prepare Shishkin before the highly anticipated King George.

Despite expressing interest in running him in an open handicap race or utilizing a racecourse gallop, the constraints imposed by racing programs make it challenging to find appropriate opportunities. With no remaining conditions races available and the Peterborough race deemed too close to the King George event, Henderson must carefully consider all possibilities. Urgently needing an open handicap opportunity for Shishkin while keeping time constraints in mind, various avenues will be explored.