SHOCKING scenes unfolded at Ascot on Saturday when Shishkin – a favorite for the 1965 Nirvana Spa Chase – refused to take part.
Considered the most likely winner before the race, the 13-time champion looked sheepish right before the start.
But he lined up with three other athletes – including rival Pic D’Orhy.
However, when the field started to depart, Shishkin turned 90 degrees and refused to run.
Reacting to the incident, horse racing expert Mick Fitzgeraldof ITVRacing – who was a jockey for Shishkin’s trainer Nicky Henderson – confirmedhorseThis person has had similar behavior in the past.
“He was a bit funny when he started staying,” he saidCheltenhama few times in the past.
“It looked like he was moving forward and had given in, and when he got to the tape, he seemed fine.
“But when the tapes came out, he said no, not for me. He’s an odd character.”
Pre-race chatter surrounding the Level 2 competition focused on the rivalry between Shishkin and Pic D’Orhy following their battle atAscotChase in February.
On that occasion, Shishkin had a great performance to win by a margin of 16 horse lengths.
But the roles reversed on Saturday as Pic D’Orhy – ridden by Harry Cobden – took advantage of Shishkin’s absence, holding off the challenge of Straw Fan Jack to win.
After the victory, Cobden said: “It’s always much easier when the good candidate doesn’t start.
“I saw it from afar, as a horseman you have to be as tactical as possible – when you’re up against such a highly rated opponent, you don’t want them to jump out.
“It’s unfortunate for relationships that he didn’t jump off.
“I’m not sure if our lad was at his best today, he didn’t really move early and didn’t jump very well but I can’t explain why. He felt good before.
“When I came back we had the advantage of Straw Fan Jack and I thought it could get bad, I tried to finish the race before the last second so I didn’t have to rely on two good jumps. He was up to the task.”
