Shishkin got the better of Energumene in a thrilling finish to the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot.
Trained by Nicky Henderson, Shishkin looked beaten at one stage in the hands of Nico de Boinville – only to rally on the run to the line and edge the verdict in an epic duel that lived up to all its pre-race billing.
Energumene had set out to make all under Paul Townend and when Shishkin hit his usual flat spot before turning for home, it looked as though the Irish raider would come out on top.
However, Shishkin dug deep and despite jumping the last fence a length down, he still managed to reel in the leader and triumph as the 5-6 favourite by a length.
Shishkin was given a huge reception as he returned to the winner’s enclosure.
Henderson said: “It was built up and it produced. They are two great horses.
“A race like that goes back to the Grundy and Bustino day and he (Shishkin) only lives about four boxes from where Grundy did.
“It was important, it was a great weekend for racing actually.”
Henderson continued: “They (Townend and De Boinville) said to each other going down the hill, ‘we are flat to the boards’. It had to be that, there was no point hiding. Energumene was going to set a good gallop and we had to keep in touch.
“There were moments it looked as if we weren’t going as well but he stays very well, he possibly does drift a little bit.
“The great thing is they’ve both come home safe and sound. It was a great race. Willie and the guys are all great mates.
“There’s going to be rematch. I always said I hope it’s a good race today because then it won’t ruin the Champion Chase and they will be back to fight it out together.
“Willie and I have both got jobs to do, we’ve got to get them back from a hard race today but there’s lots of time.”
Mullins was gracious in defeat, saying: “We have no excuses. We ran a cracker, jumped well and did everything right.
“Maybe Shishkin didn’t jump as well as we did and whether there is more improvement in him, I don’t know. I was watching my own horse, but Shiskin made two mistakes I think, so that would leave you to think we have a bit to go yet before we beat him. Shishkin is not too bad around Cheltenham You would have to think we are going to find it hard.
“He got in tight, but they are two-mile chasers meeting fences on a stride. I thought we jumped well enough, unless he was completely electric… but then if Shishkin jumped every fence as well as we did, the chances are he’d have beaten us easier, you know?”
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