WHEN Shishkin was voted Chaser of the Year for 2023 by the Irish Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association, it was the fourth national award won by the Bennetts for breeding him, three earned for chasing and one as a hurdler.

Bred by Clive Bennett and his late wife Eileen, Shishkin has always been a favourite of Nicky Henderson, who considered the bay one of the best-looking horses in his yard. A €40,000 foal purchase by Ben Case, it is something of a mystery that he only brought €28,000 as a three-year-old at the Derby Sale. After winning his point-to-point for Virginia Considine, having placed on his debut, Tattersalls Ireland sold him for a third time, this time at their Cheltenham Sale when Highflyer Bloodstock signed for him at €170,000.