Shishkin shines in Ascot Chase

Shishkin proved himself to be back to his brilliant best with a comprehensive victory in the Betfair Ascot Chase.

Nicky Henderson's gelding was at one point an unstoppable force in the two-mile division, but he was pulled up when the favourite in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season.

A comeback run in the Tingle Creek this season also ended in defeat, but stepped up in trip under Nico de Boinville, he showed all of his ability, winning at a canter to cross the line 16 lengths to the good at odds of 2-1.

With last year’s winner Fakir D’oudairies beaten some way out, it was a duel between Shishkin and Pic D’Orhy turning into the straight.

However, the latter had no answer when Shishkin kicked up a gear, with the winner now the clear favourite for the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!! SHISHKIN right back to his best in the Betfair Ascot Chase for @NdeBoinville @sevenbarrows