Shishkin and Edwardstone state Cheltenham claims at Newbury

Shishkin bounced back to form at Newbury to take the Betfair Denman Chase for Nicky Henderson.

The 10-year-old had endured a luckless campaign so far, refusing to start in the 1965 Chase at Ascot on his seasonal bow in November before unseating Nico de Boinville when going well in the King George VI Chase at Kempton at Christmas.

He was the 8-11 favourite to return to winning ways in the Newbury Grade Two and travelled behind race leader Protektorat for much of the near three-mile contest.

Around the final bend, Shishkin began to pick up the bridle and was comfortably able to stride clear of his four rivals to prevail by four and a quarter lengths.

Henderson admitted he had concerns about running on heavy ground before the race, but was relieved to see the decision to compete pay off.