'The reaction has been mind-boggling' - Nicky Henderson amazed by public outpouring following death of star Shishkin

Nicky Henderson has been taken aback by the outpouring of emotion following the death of popular stable star Shishkin late on Sunday night.

The six-time champion trainer posted on X that the six-time Grade 1 winner had died after fracturing a hind leg in his box, just three days before he was set to take on Galopin Des Champs in the Punchestown Gold Cup.

Henderson's post read: "Tragically we've lost Shishkin this evening after he got cast in his stable and fractured his hind leg.

"Everyone involved with Seven Barrows, particularly his owners, Joe and Marie Donnelly, Jaydon [Lee, Shishkin's groom], Nico [de Boinville] and George [Daly, Henderson's assistant] are obviously devastated that such a great horse, friend and warrior has gone.

"This is a very sad night. He was our star and we will never forget him. Thank you Shishkin for the wonderful memories." 

When a horse is cast it means it cannot get up again when lying down after becoming stuck, perhaps against an object such as a stable wall.

The public had warmed to the enigmatic Shishkin, who had looked unbeatable in his novice days when winning the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and who bounced back from two reverses including a luckless run in the King George to win the Denman Chase in February under regular rider Nico de Boinville. Other notable wins included last season's Ascot Chase and Aintree Bowl.

Speaking on Monday, Henderson hailed his veterinary team along with those who helped from Donnington Grove Vets on Sunday night. 

He said: “Shishkin was just brilliant. We've been very lucky over the years to have some amazing horses but he was right up there with the best. He was a really nice horse but a real character too, he wasn't straightforward but all in the nicest possible way. He had his quirks which kept us on our feet and entertained us but by and large his heart was in the right place and he loved doing it.

“He had a full life, that's for sure, but there was still more to come. He should have been on the lorry going to Punchestown which is the sad thing. We had some great days. I know the Donnellys adored him, Marie in particular, he was always her favourite. It's very sad.

“It's been mind-boggling this morning, I've been amazed by the reaction. I never realised how popular he was. I'd like to say thanks to all the hundreds and hundreds of people that have sent messages, it's been quite amazing and very touching.”

Henderson pointed to the 2022 Clarence House Chase as the highlight of Shishkin’s 14 victories. In a thrilling finish at a packed Ascot, he battled back courageously to defeat Energumene, the other top two-mile chaser.

“The Clarence House win was probably the best day,” the trainer said. “He had to fight very hard and was so brave. Energumene had him beat two out but he wasn't going to get beaten. It was one of the great races and we're never going to forget it. It was an epic.

“Through the Supreme and the Arkle he was pretty unbeatable and it was a great time. He won six Grade 1s but it should have been seven with the King George. I suppose that was part of it, he never made life simple in the nicest possible way. 

“He had that hiccup at Ascot when he didn't want to start but then he comes back in the King George, looks like he's got it wrapped up and trips over his own foot. It was a proper Shishkin-esque trick.”

It is a huge blow for the yard after the campaign had finished on a high when Jonbon and Fantastic Lady recorded a Graded double at Sandown’s season finale on Saturday.

That came after 2023 Champion Hurdle winner Constitution Hill suffered a life-threatening bout of colic and poor stable health meant Henderson went without a Cheltenham Festival winner for the first time since 2008.

Shishkin with Nico de Boinville, groom Jaydon Lee and Nicky Henderson after this year's Denman Chase at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

Henderson added: “It's been tough. You thought when Aintree had gone well and Jonbon had come back and put up one of his best performances it was going to finish on a good note. Then fate turns its hand again. I feel desperately sorry for everyone here. Things have been put into perspective.”

A fourth-placed finish behind Gerri Colombe in the Aintree Bowl this month proved to be Shishkin's final race. He won 14 of his 21 starts, earning £798,668.

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