WOW! Shishkin defeats Energumene in the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot!

[@wolfpackmaha]

Come back to watch this with tears in my eyes. What an incredible horse and the worst loss imaginable days before his final planned race in the Irish Gold Cup. Rest in peace champ

[@chriswork7479]

One of the great races of this generation

[@beverleymorris167]

Yes.....this generation!!!!! Let's not get stupid like the telly boys mentioning Arkle and mill House They never ever will give weight so can never be compared.

[@scottlee2832]

Absolutely top class & you’re right, it was one of the great races. Shirking just outstayed the other horse.

[@Zarkava8]

@@beverleymorris167 I bet you're fun at parties. Moaning about the great Arkle. 🙄

[@harpalchauhan428]

Easily

[@beverleymorris167]

@@Zarkava8 who,s eating humble pie now...knob head!🤣 People jump the gun....he,s a good horse, but the true greats go on any going!

[@graemewiltshire312]

I know very little about horse racing but god I enjoyed that race. My heart was pounding at the end. So nice to see such great sportsmanship by the jockeys and trainers. Im looking forward to March.

[@jmracing8482]

This race got me excited like no other sporting event could ever... what a race

[@barbaradyson6951]

JM racing. Still think Sprinter Sacre regaining his 2016 QMChase title is something especially when the crowd cheered when he jumped the 4th last fence. Many of experts had SS written off. Especially Ted Walsh who called him a hasbeen.

[@beverleymorris167]

@@barbaradyson6951 ted Walsh should be took with a pinch of salt. He,s got some funny ideas in his head 🤣

[@barbaradyson6951]

@@beverleymorris167 I dare say, but people do listen to him and take him seriously, even if you reckon he has crazy ideas.

[@barbaradyson6951]

Beverly Morris. Want to watch an epic race, look up Fred winter and mandarin 1962 grand steeplechase in France. It's incredible.

[@beverleymorris167]

@@barbaradyson6951 That's ok then Babs!👍

[@aldbeagle]

A privilege to be there to see it, spine tingling stuff. Two mile chasing is hard to beat when its as good as this!

[@brianmelrose5]

This was amazing.... both horses were unbelievable 👏👏👏👏👏

[@mrgirthy2111]

I will remember this showdown for the rest of my life. What an appetizer for the festival.

[@samcaney7200]

I was there this afternoon. What an atmosphere!!

[@manofgreatbeauty]

Jealous. Atmosphere came across well on the tellybox.

[@DavidBrookes007]

Very envious I love Ascot

[@suemaher5282]

It looked like a fantastic crowd a fantastic day. So jealous. U wont forget that race what a memory to have

[@DavidGayo]

Rip he's died

[@freedomforpeopletruelies6]

Plenty more to come from this fella and the 2nd. A joy to watch

[@suemaher5282]

That's what u call a race. Wow cant wait for the rematch. 2 great horses

[@willboa5365]

This was the track that Energumene lead to his strengths .. right hand course - shishkin always jumps to his left .. had a bloody terrible race ... made all sorts of problems for himself .. but still had the belief to power past Enguermene who had a faultless - less drama ride around the course .... thats called a winner .. win gutsy and win flashy .. Cheltenham will suit Shishkin ... Shishkin will put the sword to Energuemene .. at champion chase ...

[@suemaher5282]

@@willboa5365 what a day it will be at cheltenham

[@robertdelacy3434]

@@suemaher5282 great race sue

[@suemaher5282]

@@robertdelacy3434 What a race Robert I am a huge Energumene fan but I cant be disappointed Shiskin pulled it out of the bag and now we have a rematch. They will both know that had a race today.Roll on Cheltenham

[@annabelleconnelly7418]

Thank you for the memories Shishkin 💔

[@GRMS66]

That makes you proud of our sport. Absolutely magnificent battle between two warriors.

[@michaelc3051]

Fantastic race, which had the tactics everyone thought, with Energumene frontrunning and Shishkin trying to pick him off at the end. When Shishkin made that really bad mistake I thought he might be done for, but what stamina and determination he has. Two superb chasers who could create a great rivalry.

[@suemaher5282]

Great comment Michael

[@Kevjohno]

SILKSKIN will get the trip In the King George

[@Kevjohno]

@Antepostking CheltenhamG looked under the pump. Nice touch that.. I was thinking it might get the king George trip

[@wadewade7443]

@@Kevjohno don't belive this bloke his bets are bullshit don't entertain him thinking there real

[@arthurpewtey]

@@wadewade7443 Surely you're not suggesting he only put those numbers up AFTER the race?

[@chrisfk63]

Such a fantastic race, it brought tears of joy/excitment to my eyes when I saw it live on TV earlier and again watching it on here now. Can't wait to see the two of them go head to head again.

[@waynesmith3712]

I nearly got emotional, it’s a funny sport in the way it grabs you In Such a way and, for no apparent reason. But what a race, I think the English side needed that, irelands domination is tiring and thanks to the likes of the almighty Henderson we can clearly rely on Shiskin to bring home a win

[@Bobbygregstanius]

Only a couple of days to go! Can see shish going away up the hill!

[@sandyphillips9147]

RIP Shishkin 😢 rest easy champ 🖤💛

[@kevinbindley7497]

Fantastic race, credit to both connections for running and a credit to the sport. Roll on Cheltenham.

[@austinmerrigan3404]

Cant see cheltenham being as close as that i hope so but it will b a long time before you see a race like that again fantastic joy to watch

[@patriciaguth6882]

I'm American and I don't necessarily care for jump races, but Shishkin's ground-eating stride in the stretch was fabulous. Congrats Shishkin!

[@russellstanton7583]

Give me jumps over the flat any day. You get to love horses over 5 to 6 years on the jumps. The big flat horses are only out there a couple of years

[@russellstanton7583]

@Bobolinger Fivetoone ....such a fany you bottled a dance with me....🥱🥱

[@harrytill785]

The noise of the crowd 😍 two warriors 🐎

[@dalecollins2085]

Lets hope this is the first of many head to head battles between these two. Fantastic race.

[@iaindann3627]

Got the juices flowing, National hunt at its very best!

[@mickharrison9004]

About time it's been a bit stail last few years .

[@frosty2k175]

Goosebumps!

[@patricksmith3432]

2 bankers for Cheltenham Shiskin Constitution Hill They won't get beat lump on

[@nicktheflybradley]

Took me back to Grundy vs Bustino on the flat here. So exciting!!! Nick from York

[@jamesrichardson3500]

Amazing race that had everything. Both horses were class, both jockeys were class and the sportsmanship afterwards was great to see. What an advert for the game, is there anything better than top class 2 milers???

[@manofgreatbeauty]

Erm....nope!!

[@ashleyjoseph9685]

Brilliant horse Race… thought shiskin was done 2 out 👏👏👏👏

[@Pairsy]

Here after hearing the awful news of Shishkin’s passing. What a warrior, what a horse. RIP.

[@paulredmond3848]

No bet race but Wow! Great race and a brilliant ride by Nico.. 👏

[@keithf_]

Yes you're right. Great ride by Nico.

[@uhegbu]

What a race. Race of the year? And we are only in January. The 1989 race between Desert Orchid and Panto Prince was a thriller and this 2022 renewal lived up to its billing. Shishkin remains unbeaten and that was the hardest yet.

[@stevendyer8471]

Goosebumps galore shishkin is a beast, wasn't at his best but still able to win like that!! Cheltenham will be epic

[@irishandproud4110]

Race of the season no doubt. Taught Paul has it well done Nicky and Nico

[@harpalchauhan428]

Easily

[@marktattters]

Second best race run at ascot with my favourite being the tingle creek in the late eighties when it was a handicap. Desert Orchid giving Panto Prince 2 stone and still getting up to win (2 miles)

[@Zarkava8]

Would love to see Shishkin and Energumene over 3 miles, Shishkin best trip is obviously 3 miles as he takes time to warm up, makes you wonder how he managed to win over 2 miles when clearly it wasn't his trip, lets see how good Energumene is over 3 miles.

[@MrPq92]

This is a throwback to Moscow Flyer vs Azertyioup vs Well Chief. Pre cheltenham battles make the Festival even better.

[@beverleymorris167]

Yes......at last some sense talked.

[@suemaher5282]

Wow these bring back great memories.Totally agree

[@michaellovell1368]

Revisiting this Spine Tingler after a couple of years !! It brought the memories flooding back. Shishkin really had to dig deep, but we knew he could do that. Energumene did nothing wrong, but he came up against one of the toughest horses out there that day. R.I.P. Shishkin, thanks for the great moments you gave us 🙂

[@leeedmondo7787]

Edge of the seat stuff....Great effort all round by all connections involved with 2 absolutely amazing horses...Great sportsmanship by the jockeys too...

[@Petermcc94]

What a race. What a horse. RIP

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

EPIC. That there is a race of the ages, the sort you would expect from the likes of Arkle and Mill House. Shish is so much like Altior, you think hes beat but hes just getting the turbo into gear, a stiff 2 miles is perfect so flat Ascot would not have suited against a very good opponent. And how good a jumper is Energemene? wonderful from A to B. I still think it will be the same result at Cheltenham as Shishkin will thunder up that Prestbury Park Hill but its a race for us to saviour. Roll on March 🏆

[@patricksmith3432]

Cheltenham will suit him better Constitution Hill to win supreme

[@daviddickson648]

Last 4 furlongs at Ascot all up hill. Anything but a flat course. But agree, epic race.

[@JSB-IZ-ME]

@@daviddickson648 agreed but nothings as uphill as a championship race on that Cheltenham run in. Ask connections of One Man, cruising into contention in the gold cup crossing the hill with multiple King Georges in the bag but when he hit that hill it was like he got shot by an elephant gun. Shishkin will be flying up that hill in March and it will take a very special performance to beat him.

[@beverleymorris167]

@@JSB-IZ-ME leopardstown is actually more of an incline.

[@beverleymorris167]

Arkle and mill House? Don't you talk some poo! Stones different!

[@darrengilbert5089]

Best race I've seen.. shiskin pulls it out of the fire.

[@johnnyboy6608]

When you watch this back it baffles me how he wasn’t put up to 3 miles earlier

[@robp2282]

Glad it lived up to the hype. A true Classic! I thought energumene ran the best race of his career, and I don’t know what else he can do differently to get Shishkin beat. He took the race to him at such speed it forced Shishkin into making early mistakes while energumene was jumping for fun. I can’t wait for round 2!

[@suemaher5282]

Totally agree Rob round 2 coming up.Lets hope this race didnt take too much out of them. It was some race

[@TheRealJoeSparrow]

RIP Shishkin

[@Sheamus72]

Incredible. This is what we want to see in racing two of the best meeting outside of Chelthenam. I'll eat my words I thought Energumenes pace from the front would cause Shiskhin problems but what a horse Shiskhin is just kept finding more and more. Champion Chase is gonna be even better. Roll on round 2!

[@beverleymorris167]

It did cause him problems....he only just got up ...😮

[@jamescolf5763]

@@beverleymorris167 won a shade cosily in the end

[@samuelhutchison8433]

Shows how good these to are when they left first flow for dead brilliant race.

[@Osm1889]

Rip shiskin🙏❤️

[@michaelbeadnall4260]

What a race ! Both done themselves proud 👏 shishkin wins the champion chase imo now has the extra turn of foot and copes with the strong pace of energumene

[@clarkeonenil3252]

Christ, what a race. I can't remember a better one. Two brilliant horses turned up and gave their running. The handicapper had 1lb between them. I'd say he's on the cigars now. What about Cheltenham ? You could see today one way you might just possibly beat Shiskin is to be far enough ahead of him at the last that he can't quite reel you in. The QM is 188 yards shorter than today's race, so it would suit for that purpose, but then Energumene has jumped to the right at Leopardstown, so he may struggle at Cheltenham. Both horses have to recover from the hardest race they've ever had today as well. Neither Cyrname nor Altior ever made it fully out of hospital after a similar war at Ascot.

[@suemaher5282]

Great point Clarke they will both know they've had a tough race in the morning. They really gave a performance. Two tough horses.

[@Paulhanratty885]

They're a bit younger 👍

[@SH-dj6ux]

Incredible

[@不二说价值]

What A race!

[@pauloconnor5101]

Will be interesting to see if Energume tactics are changed at Cheltenham. Great race and great horses.

[@leenffc8174]

Rip shishkin truly one of the greatest racehorses to grace our racecourses 😢

[@warriorb6733]

Great sport👏, epic clash 👏

[@CudKidi]

Great race. Energumene had the last laugh though.

[@ns6789]

RACE of the YEAR and its only January

[@Rudgers221]

R.I.P Shishkin a warrior of a horse. This race epitomises all he was.

[@cludoe]

Two very good horses, never bet but enjoyed watching.

[@MakeAstand5]

Good horses find under pressure, what an awesome race. Shishkin dug deep and out stayed Energumene. I actually personally think Shishkin had a lot more in the tank.

[@biggdogg99848]

A reckon so as well he will be even better at Cheltenham in reality energumene has not much chance of turning the tables shishkin is a superstar horse

[@johnnyboy6608]

Do you know if energumene has to lead? I feel it was a big benefit for shishkin having a horse to try and get past, whereas energumene didn’t have to dig as deep because he could never see another horse to try and get past.

[@keybuckley]

What a star

[@iamscottedmonds]

RIP 😢

[@Folk_var]

Best race of the season so far, it's going to be very hard to beat that.

[@earlofnythe]

They're out there on their own. Awesome. Energumene must be some animal, nothing else since Abacadabras has even made Shishkin break sweat

[@robertdixon6760]

Abracadabras only made Shishkin sweat because he had nearly been brought down and lost momentum and many lengths. Otherwise another demolition job.

[@Elliot-T]

Fantastic race

[@tootsiemuah3572]

RIP shishkin

[@richardcrook3372]

2 champions in a fabulous race. Mullins and Townend classy in defeat as you'd expect. You'd have to think Shishkin jumping left and making mistakes today will much prefer Cheltenham but maybe they hold up Energumene next time. Gonna be something to behold.

[@elvis6874]

Agree 100%, can’t wait

[@willboa5365]

Energuemene - doesnt have a turbo at the end .. hes like un de sceaux - so tactics cant change .. plus Chelyenham is Shishkin `s fav ground ... but hes going to be short price now ...

[@tbagandfriendschannel5466]

Such a fantastic sport

[@andymmmmmmmm]

Best race I've seen in a year! What a horse! Makes a nice change to see and English trained horse beat and Irish one. Sure roles will be reversed in March

[@robertwoodward3085]

Dont let Ed hear you say that....he always praises the Irish at the expense of the English...

[@michaelblaquiere6147]

What a classic! The uphill Cheltenham finish will suit shiskin and I can only see a bigger victory margin.

[@Nuturalable]

Shishkin is a class above the rest, won it well despite mistake made. Brilliant race, ride. Congrats too all involved with the winner.

[@michaelboyle5805]

He's not a class above, there's very little between them, the next day will tell, does Mullins put a pacemaker in, cos it's always gonna be hard to make all. Can't wait for the return.

[@Nuturalable]

@@michaelboyle5805 he is and that's that. in a bigger field, he will destroy Mullins horse.

[@tomleach1428]

What a race .. and the right horse won!! Unbeaten!! My favourite horse since altior

[@strosiemead4242]

Great horse race 👍🏻 only Simon Holt commentary missing

[@stuckinthepattayabubble9319]

When the chips are down....class shines through.

[@ThefightingCelt]

Energumene's great chance of defeating Shishkin was today at Ascot , given that ground conditions and right handed course was in his favour . Cheltenham will suit Shishkin even more , as Energumene's trainer , Willie Mullins , admitted after today's race . He has won at the festival before and last year took the Arkle Chase in his stride . I think Shishkin will confirm the places at Cheltenham and the bookmakers seem to agree , with Shishkin @ 8/15 and Energumene @ 3/1 to win The Champion Chase .

[@theodorerook]

I'm surprised anyone is that certain about the Queen Mother after today!.. Let's get it was a great race out the way!.. It was!... It actually confirmed both horses are exceptional, which didn't really come across from some of Shiskin's supporters. As regards today's race, I think you saw more of Shiskin's game, than Energumene. It was clearly a conscious decision to stay close to Energumene and by doing that, his jumping was put more under pressure, and to average animals, that would've been enough to win the day. He dug deep to get up close home to prevail, but, in my view, had the harder race of the two. As for Energumene, given the Queen mother is just around the corner, I was never of the view that connections were looking to be as aggressive as they, or others might want to be, at Cheltenham... That makes no sense!.. The chance of maximum effort at Cheltenham would be neigh impossible!.. To set a strong tempo, and maintain it til a few strides from the line, illustrates the threat Energumene still is. His first run this season needs another watch in light of today, because Network tries to take him on, and faded away, whilst Energumene maintains his gallop. In the Queen mother, its likely that Chacour Pour Soi and Editor de Guye could run, and set stronger early factions, setting up a scenario midway similar to today. I'm going to have a few more deliberations before then, however these thoughts are going to influence my final judgement... Can Shiskin lay up with a stronger pace, error free, after this hard race?.. Will Energumene over race, being taken on early on?... We'll see!..

[@Hsut1]

The champion chase is half a furlong/ furlong shorter in which case energumene would of won yesterday so could argue it will actually be a lot closer race and with a smaller run in for shishkin to make up ground at the end

[@theodorerook]

Willie Mullins' comments today, reflecting on the race, shed some more light on events... Given what's happened to Chacun Pour Soi, Mullins will have considered the benefit of seeing how Energumene deals with travelling for a race, despite his points win here on debut. Whilst it seems he's handled it well, it does appear as though he's lost a few more kilos than usual, so you'd expect his program will be adjusted to take that into account. I'll factor that into my deliberations... I hope it isn't the case, that the build up doesn't reflect the trend of modern day racing, where it seems to make assumptions that the first past the post, is best and will prevail again.. I think yesterday confirms there isn't much between Shishkin and Energumene on ratings, which I think genuinely surprised many punters, some of whom, seemed to have failed to appreciate Energumene travailed far the better of the two.. As for Cheltenham, I think the course shouldn't inconvenience Energumene, I truly think the line up, and possible early pace, might set up the final outcome this time

[@ThefightingCelt]

@@theodorerook Mullins also factored into the equation that while his horse jumped well and hardly put a foot wrong , Shishkin made 2 mistakes which should have benefitted Energumene - also pointing that an error free Shishkin at Cheltenham will be even harder to beat .

[@theodorerook]

@@ThefightingCelt Of course, however you speak as if that's a certainty, whereas my position remains that the outcome of the Queen mother is not the forgone conclusion plenty suggest it is!.. My "confidence" in this position is based on my premise that I believe the Clarence House, was always a sighter for Cheltenham for Energumene, given what happened to Chacon Pour Soi.. Connections surely wanted to see how Energumene handled the traveling and race itself, and I'm sure he's passed with flying colours, and given a guide to what to expect... That's a huge positive for him, and hopefully will ensure he brings his A-game to Cheltenham in March Secondly, both horses had hard races, however surely Shiskin dug deeper, which should be noted... In six weeks, he's probably going to asked to do it again, off of what might be stronger earlier fractions I don't see that as a forgone conclusion, and I see, at the moment, a possibility where Chacon Pour Soi and Editor de Guye line up and ensure the early stages are strongly run. If that's the case, I think Energumene sets off at his normal tempo and graduates to front, somewhere in the first half of the race. Will Shiskin try to lay up, as he did on Saturday, or sit further back to hopefully be a stronger finisher... He won't get away with the mistakes he made at Ascot, at Cheltenham

[@thewackywizard2049]

I was on Energumene after agonising all week. I knew shiskin was the better horse, but racing is all about on the day. In the end I predicted my horse would jump of to a great lead and jump better than he had in all his victories, I felt he had a slight fitness edge and he would put Shiskin under pressure like never before and force him to make a mistake or two, which he exactly did. STILL Shishkin jumped the last a length behind and clawed him back. The best horse won. That will be the closest Energumene should get to beating Shiskin. Shishkin has the Cheltenham experience and his adaptable jumping and off the shoulder cruising makes him the ideal horse for the track. What a race, what a horse.Energumene is good, Shiskin could be the greatest.

[@beverleymorris167]

Don't be ridiculous....he,s got to win 3 champion chases to equal the best,.... Badsworth boy

[@thewackywizard2049]

@@beverleymorris167 what’s ridiculous is to suggest that isn’t possible, when it clearly is

[@beverleymorris167]

@@thewackywizard2049 never be as good as the Boy!!!👍

[@thewackywizard2049]

@@beverleymorris167 bobs line would have beaten him in 85 if he stood up and then he’d only have two. You well overate Badsworth boy, sorry

[@beverleymorris167]

@@thewackywizard2049 bobsline was going no better than BB...and BB had a better turn of foot. BB won 1983 champion chase by 36 length s!!! That's never been done before or since. The horses he beat had collectively won 102 races And featured two previous winners.. All his champion chases were routs. And he won a handicap carrying 12-7 .... You talk utter poo!😃

[@keithf_]

Grundy/Bustino in 1975 is the best race I've ever seen. This race today runs it mighty close. Have to say ... massive credit to Energumene. His jumping was immense. However, everything about today's race was in Energumene's favour. Right handed track, soft going, hugged the rail all the way ... yet Shishkin was still too good. Energmene wasn't stopping but for Shishkin to find a couple of lengths on him on the run-in, in soft ground, was very impressive. I think that if ever Energumene was going to beat Shishkin it was going to be today. I'd have to conclude now that I'd expect Shishkin to win easier next time they meet. But ... what a race. And two very good 2 mile chasers. Both perhaps close to Sprinter Sacre class.

[@flamelaiswrswr]

This race without packmaker

[@beverleymorris167]

Wot crap ....they have a long way to go.

[@wadewade7443]

@@beverleymorris167 as good as sprinter sacre 😂what u been smoking nowhere near yet

[@beverleymorris167]

@@wadewade7443 I didn't say he was as good as sprinter sacre, knobhead! Said sprinter sacre a very good horse, but not as good as his timeform rating.

[@wadewade7443]

@@beverleymorris167 go cook the dinner u sket

[@harry2.01]

Great for racing. I remember the days of Desert Orchid c whereby if he ran, it would double thd crowd, especially on a wet Wednesday at Ascot. of Kempston.

[@anotherblonde]

10 wins on the trot for this gelding by Sholokov. Dramatic race on soft ground. RP Winning time: 4m 16.17s (slow by 16.17s)

[@chambrevirgo8562]

2 great horses and first flow whose a grade 1 winner here 18l behind this was a great finish

[@gored6248]

Everything went wrong for shishkin today and he still won by a length! Monster of a horse. Nico is very lucky, a good horse got him out of trouble! Everything went perfect for energumene, a soft lead, hurdling the fences and got a break. Shishkin wasn’t jumping well, first flow kept impeding him, he pecked on landing and nico backed out of the final fence and it still won! Different machine. Will win a lot easier at cheltenham with the up hill climb and going left handed!

[@markperryman2311]

Don't think Nico backed out of the final fence, he adjusted his stride....

[@johnsonkevin1]

Nico did nothing wrong at all in the race. Had him in the perfect position the whole way. 2 very very good horses.

[@leehoward8570]

I didnt see many mistakes from shishkin tbh if im telling the truth hes pulled that 1 out the bag and all there is to say is fair play what a win and well deserved, because he shouldnt of won that race really Energumen should of gone sooner and attacked a little more in my eyes... what racing is all about.

[@robwightman6357]

Shishkin left handed at Cheltenham is the bet of the meeting

[@johnsonkevin1]

@@leehoward8570 both jocks said they going flat out down the hill before the home turn. Not sure Townend could have done much more tbh

[@edwardferry8247]

That was a brutal race for Ener I sincerely hope it hasn’t ruined him for the future. His legs and mid section strength had gone and the extent to which his ears were so far back and flat indicate he was finding that level of exertion significantly painful and he was becoming unbalanced. His mouth was very open going past the post. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear he may have sustained an injury. I certainly wouldn’t let him run at Cheltenham after a race like that. Great race but brutal to watch that last half furlong as a horse owner and lover. I hope they give him a good rest 🐴🥕🍏

[@lorristan]

I was hoping for a really really tough race for both horses and feel that its likely to have left its mark on both. I remember when cyrname took on altior and both horses were not the same after that race. As for the queen mother chase I shall be looking for fresher horses to win the race and get really good value price wise. Of the two I did think that Energumene was carrying a bit more condition and that tends to be normal for W. Mullins horses in that he wants soft ground for most of his horses as they carry condition earlier in the season and the soft ground protects them from injuries. His strike rate at cheltenham tends to back up that way of training and have them fit and ready for cheltenham.

[@edwardferry8247]

@@lorristan thank you Stan, that was very interesting to read. I though Energumene looked naturally bigger but watching it again after your post I can see what you mean as carrying a degree more of condition. I remember reading the book on Secretariat and the gentleman who looked after the horses in the barns said he saw some horses that just didn’t want to do it again, they were very good (not genetically unique like Big Red) but a moment would come and they would never cross that line again. The race you mention springs to mind. I thought Energumene was in distress, to put a genetically unique horse like Shishkin ( I think he is unique) to the sword must have placed massive strains on Energumene who I feel is exceptional but not unique as his defeat reveals. I will look forward to Cheltenham as always, beat regards🐴😎

[@suemaher5282]

@@edwardferry8247 Edward and Stan what great comments

[@edwardferry8247]

@@suemaher5282 thank you Sue, that is kind. Best wishes

[@SteveG123]

It was a superb race. Shishkin is a remarkable athlete to pull himself together after that near fall. Energumene was valiant but visibly shortening up while somehow, Shishkin found a reserve and all things considered, scored rather decisively, IMO.

[@williamhughes9809]

What a race ❤️

[@mickharrison9004]

You know shishkin had a lot to do between last two fences look back ,amazing speed to get up to be fair .

[@Tony-ey5zl]

Brilliant race, Shish should win a little easier going the other way at Cheltenham though, can't wait..🤞🙏

[@GenghisCohen257]

Interested to know if folks think they'll meet at cheltenham. I'm worried they won't.

[@bradgreener4000]

Such a character, such a beauty, R.I.P shishkin ❤

[@andrewjohnston7386]

He knows we're the line is brilliant 👏

[@andijw79]

Pretty crap commentary considering the ilk of the race. Richard Hoiles was miles better.

[@darkoscur6628]

We will see who will more improve 😀

[@uhegbu]

I must not mention two top trainers, Nicky Henderson and Willie Mullins, still at the peak of their powers.

[@Mr_Nigeria100]

One of the best jumps race I've ever seen if not the best. All it needed was great commentary which it didn't get. Micheal Cattermole is too bland. Irish commentator Jerry Hannon would have SMASHED this out the park. He would have had a heart attack (lol). Na. joke but he would've summed the excitement and greatness of this race. Don't underestimate the impact of a commentator. One of the reasons Shergar's 1981 derby is still talked about to this day was due to Peter Bromley's commentary.

[@lockoshocko]

Exactly what I was thinking after the Race Where are you Dessie Scahill ? when we need you.

[@blackmarbles1047]

Jump racing at its best ..!! .

[@xua23]

Goose bumps❤❤

[@paulburke1762]

What a legend. RIP Shishkin 😥

[@Marjopolo302]

Some machine. Looked beaten all the way til 50 yards. Winning is what the horse knows...... Ground wasn't soft enough for Mullins horse.

[@Essydyk]

Brilliant race and great finish. Shishkin on the back foot for much of that race but even being taken out of his comfort zone he has that finish that nothing can live with. Energumene is just a jumping and galloping machine - connections must wonder how everything can go so right for them today yet they are still beaten. I reckon they will run Shishkin over 2m until he gets beat because everything points to him being even better the further he goes.

[@juliancaesar4575]

That was a barn burner right there! Love a proper tussle.

[@liamquigley891]

Absolutely fantastic I think energumene is the better horse jus didn't handle the ground as much as shishkin but there both unreal

[@liamquigley891]

@Pa. D I disagree if townend was more aggressive and better ground energumene would have won I think he's the better horse but maybe I'm wrong

[@MegaVector2011]

You could be right, then again if Shiskin had been ridden better and wasn't forced into making mistakes it could have been easier for him. Both superstar horses with nothing much between them.

[@liamquigley891]

@Grim Reaper on better ground that horse would have won, he had no gear on that heavy going shishkin is a fantastic horse I'm not sayin that but I think on better ground energumene wins

[@liamquigley891]

@Grim Reaper cheers

[@Zarkava8]

Shishkin beats Energumene everytime.

[@derekthesec]

Amazing race. Be interesting to see what happens in the Champion Chase.

[@karlbrady5178]

I think energumene might reverse that form at cheltenham.shiskin cant give hime that much rope up the cheltenham hill.all said should be some race

[@Essydyk]

If Shishkin is in touch coming down to the last he wins. However Energumene has the advantage of that downhill stretch to try and build an even better lead than today and put even more pressure on Shishkin's jumping.

[@skrabellegend2768]

Give your head a wobble

[@rodneymckee8431]

Agree especially if shiskin jumps like he did today.

[@Zarkava8]

@@rodneymckee8431 Before the race you said Energumene would thrash Shishkin, he couldn't beat him even when Shishkin jumped under par today, just admit that Shishkin is the better horse.

[@rodneymckee8431]

@@Zarkava8 yes the best horse on the day won.if Energumene is ridden with full aggression Shiskin won't get away with making them mistakes at Cheltenham

[@irlgman3566]

Great race ..But Paul Townend he just doesnt get that extra effort out of horses when it matters does he?? Didn't do a whole lot wrong but he just isnt that special tbh ...like all the greats McCoy , Johnson, Ruby & Davy Russell - they would eke every ounce of effort out of a horse in a driving ' neck and neck 'battle to the line , ye just dont get that from Townend, full credit to shiskin though what a horse to do this on a day where he didnt jump well atall

[@WA.angler]

All class another altior ❤️❤️

[@manofgreatbeauty]

Might even be almost another Sprinter Sacre - the best 2 miler of all time.

[@beverleymorris167]

@@manofgreatbeauty no... badsworth boy.

[@ianbyrner]

Shiskin is shiskin

[@WA.angler]

Go back bed mate

[@user-vr6kx8px5o]

What a race , nerves was bouncing but glad Shishkin pulled through, can’t of been good for Tony bloom having £360,000 on his own horse to get caught like that

[@csb7376]

He can afford it😁

[@jimbolger264]

Guaranteed he backed Shiskin also, people like Tony Bloom do not throw away money like that. He will still come out on top and won't lose

[@JoshTurner-ts4ho]

Still gives me goosebumps, 3 out and thought I’d backed the wrong horse.