British horse trainer Nicky Henderson has claimed that he is going to miss his former horse, Shishkin, horribly after his passing this week.
In December 2018, the horse was sold for £170,000, and to this day, it has become one of the most beloved horses in the scene, winning 14 of his 21 races to date.
The renowned racehorse competed in prestigious events nationwide, including Aintree and Ascot. However, his crowning achievements came at Cheltenham, where he triumphed in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle in 2020 and the Arkle Challenge Trophy in 2021. Also, Shishkin secured victories in the Clarence House Chase, Ascot Chase, Betway Bowl, and Maghull Novices’ Chase.
However, due to complications this week, the horse was put to rest after an incident with his hind leg.
Speaking this week via his X account, Henderson tweeted, "Tragically, we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg.
"Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon, Nico, and George, are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend, and warrior has gone. He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning, but sadly this is now not to be."
'He gave us some memorable days' - trainer Nicky Henderson remembers his stable star Shishkin - who was due to run in the featured Gold Cup at the @punchestownrace Festival
📺 Watch live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer #rtesport pic.twitter.com/lxp63djWvy— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) May 1, 2024
Henderson, who is at Punchestown this week, confirmed before his passing that the famous horse had been entered to race in the Punchestown Gold Cup.
The 73-year-old also spoke further about the legendary horse's passing and claimed it was a great tragedy to have lost such a talented horse full of character.
"It was not a nice night," Henderson said. "Poor Aul Boy has just been a star for (so long). He was 10, but with us since he was four. He was a great character, but he was very, very talented at the same time, and he gave us some brilliant days and some memorable days," said Henderson to Ted Walsh on RTE's broadcast of the Punchestown racing festival.
"And he entertained us in his own ways; he had a fabulous character about him. I'm going to miss him horribly. It's a funny old game; we thought Saturday was great and things were going well, and you suddenly realise racing doesn't do that."
