Cheltenham News

Shishkin lived up to his billing of favourite by winning the Arkle Challenge Trophy on day one of the Cheltenham Festival.

Having won the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Festival 12 months ago, Shishkin went into the Grade 1 contest the odds-on favourite and proved too good for his rivals as he secured his seventh-successive victory, while also extending his unbeaten sequence over fences to four.

It was not all plain sailing for the son of Sholokhov, as Allmankind and Captain Guinness made it a true competition, but the favourite was always travelling well in the hands of Nico de Boinville, moving into the lead at the third-last fence before eventually prevailing by 12 lengths.

De Boinville was certainly delighted with the efforts of Shishkin, who handed trainer Nicky Henderson a record-extending seventh victory in the Arkle.

“I'm absolutely over the moon ? I'm just delighted to be on a horse such as Shishkin,” De Boinville told reporters. His profile is just amazing, and he's a fantastic horse. After that performance, you'd have to say that he can be anything.”

Shishkin is now being discussed as a contender for next year's Champion Chase at the Festival and that appears to be something that Henderson would be open to, as he has previously trained Altior and Sprinter Sacre to Champion Chase glory off the back of victories in the Arkle.