Shishkin, one of the most talented and popular showjumping competitors of recent years, died after sustaining injuries at Nicky Henderson’s stables in Lambourn.
The 10-year-old was found with a broken hind leg after being put in a cast in his box on Sunday night.
He was due to travel to Ireland on Monday morning for a much-anticipated clash with last month’s Cheltenham Festival Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs in Wednesday’s Punchestown Gold Cup meeting.
Henderson posted on X on Sunday night that everyone at his seven-horse stable was “obviously devastated by the loss of such a great horse, friend and warrior.”
The trainer added: “He’s an absolute superstar and his resume shows it – apart from King George [at Kempton on Boxing Day] not among them [he was an unseated rider when clear in the 2023 renewal] Even though we think it should be.
Shishkin made his debut in the Newbury Hurdle in December 2019 but went on to win 10 straight races, including the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and Alker Cup at Cheltenham in 2020 and 2021 respectively win.
Perhaps his finest moment, though, came in January 2022 in a much-anticipated race against Ireland’s top two-mile chaser Energumene at Clarence House Chase Field in Ascot. Distance to be found, Energumene jumped to the end but he held on all the way to the line to win by a length.
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“The Supreme Novice Hurdle and Arkle were his highlights at Cheltenham, but the battle with Energumene at Clarence House at Ascot was probably the highlight,” said Henderson.
“This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories.
