Shock at Ascot as one of UK’s best horses dramatically refuses to race leaving rival free to breeze to victory

SHOCKING scenes occurred at Ascot on Saturday as Shishkin - the pre-race favourite for the Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase - refused to compete.

Odds-on for the victory ahead of the race, the 13-time winner looked sheepish moments before the start.

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But he did line up alongside the other three runners - which included rival Pic D'Orhy.

However, when the field eventually set off, Shishkin whipped around 90 degrees and refused to run.

Reacting to the incident, ITV Racing pundit Mick Fitzgerald - who was once a stable jockey to Shishkin's trainer Nicky Henderson - insisted the horse has displayed similar behaviour in the past.

He said: "He's been a bit funny down at the start at Cheltenham a couple of times in the past.

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"It looked like he was going forward and had relented, and walking to the tapes he looked to be fine.

"But when the tapes went up he said no, not for me. He's a quirky character."

The pre-race chat surrounding the Grade 2 contest concentrated on the rivalry between Shishkin and Pic D'Orhy after their battle at the Ascot Chase in February.

On that occasion, Shishkin produced a magnificent performance to win by 16 lengths.

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But the roles were reversed on Saturday as Pic D'Orhy - ridden by Harry Cobden - capitalised on Shishkin's absence, seeing off the challenge of Straw Fan Jack to win.

After the victory, Cobden said: "It's always a lot easier when the favourite doesn't jump off. 

"I saw it from a mile off, as jockeys you've got to be as tactical as you can - when you're against an odds-on favourite like that you don't want them to jump off.

"It's unfortunate for connections that he didn't jump off.

"I'm not sure our lad was at his best today, he didn't really travel early and he didn't jump that well but I couldn't give you a reason for it. He felt good beforehand. 

"When I turned in we had Straw Fan Jack upsides and I thought it might get ugly, I tried to get the race put to bed before the second last just so I wasn't relying on two good jumps. He's got the job done."