Problems are continuing to mount at Seven Barrows, with Shishkin not declared to run in the Gold Cup on Friday. Trainer Nicky Henderson announced on Wednesday that he was withdrawing three of his horses due to issues in his stable, and those problems are showing no signs of slowing.
Henderson’s stable were struggling for form in the weeks prior to the Cheltenham Festival, with Constitution Hill’s withdrawal from the Champion Hurdle – since won by State Man – highlighting the severity of the problems behind the scenes.
The esteemed trainer has remained transparent with punters throughout the ordeal, and the 73-year-old has now revealed that two of his top talents, Shishkin and Champ, will not feature at Cheltenham this week after being scoped.
In a statement on X, Henderson announced: “Very sadly it will not be possible for Shishkin to run in the Gold Cup on Friday. He was scoped, as have all out potential runners this week, but unfortunately he has shown an unsatisfactory picture on which he couldn’t possibly run.
“He appears to be 100% in himself and has been working and schooling better than ever and we really were looking forward to Friday. It is hoped that along with all the other non-participants this week that they will be back in time for Aintree or Punchestown.
“Regrettably Champ has also succumbed and will not run in tomorrow’s Paddy Power Stayers’ Hurdle and the equivalent race at Aintree could be on the agenda.”
