Cheltenham Festival: Shishkin wins the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase

Shishkin was a wide-margin winner of the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase.

Nicky Henderson’s brilliant novice stayed within touch of a strong pace set by both Allmankind and Captain Guinness, before pouncing to jump into the lead three out on the way to victory by 12 lengths under Nico de Boinville.

Posting a second successive impressive success for an odds-on shot at the start of the Festival, after Appreciate It’s romp in the opener, Shishkin (4-) was also following up his victory in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months ago.

Shishkin wins the Sporting Life Arkle Challenge Trophy Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham

Nicky Henderson’s brilliant novice stayed within touch of a strong pace set by both Allmankind and Captain Guinness, before pouncing to jump into the lead three out on the way to victory

Colin Tizzard’s Eldorado Allen stayed on past Allmankind and Captain Guinness to grab third, at 33-1 and a very respectful distance.

Winning jockey Nico de Boinville told ITV Racing: ‘He’s a fantastic horse. Delighted to be here with the sun out.’

‘After that performance you could say he could be anything.’

Jockey Nico de Boinville celebrates atop of Shishkin after winning the first day’s second race