Trainer Nicky Henderson took to social media late Sunday night to announce the passing of stable star Shishkin (Ire) (Sholokhov {Ire}) after getting cast in his stable and fracturing a hind leg.
The multiple Grade 1-winner had been scheduled to leave for Punchestown Monday morning for a tilt at the G1 Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup. Shishkin had launched his 2024 season victoriously with a trip to the winner's enclosure Feb. 10 in the G2Betfair Denman Chase and had last been seen running fourth Apr. 11 in the G1 William Hill Bowl Chase.
“Tragically, we have lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg,” the statement on X from Henderson began. “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 is gone.”
“He was due to leave for Punchestown tomorrow morning, but sadly this now not to be. He was an absolute superstar and his CV is testament to that–except the King George is not in it even though we believe it should have been…”
Henderson ended with, “This is a very sad night. He was our star, and we will never forget him. Thank you, Shishkin, for the wonderful memories.”
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