Cheltenham Gold Cup CONFIRMED runners and riders with Shishkin OUT amid Nicky Henderson nightmare

THE Gold Cup confirmed runners and riders have been announced - but there's one big horse missing.

Nicky Henderson has taken the decision to pull Shishkin from the race amid fears of a mystery bug devastating his yard.

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The Sevens Barrows boss, who last won the race with Bobs Worth in 2013, has scratched a number of other runners from the biggest week of the year.

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Shishkin's NR could make things easier for defending champ Galopin Des Champs.

Willie Mullins' awesome stayer is favourite with the bookies to make it two from two at 3.30pm on Friday.

Gold Cup confirmed runners and riders

Bravemansgame

Trainer: Paul Nicholls
Jockey: Harry Cobden

Corach Rambler

Trainer: Lucinda Russell
Jockey: Derek Fox

Fastorslow

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Trainer: Martin Brassil
Jockey: J J Slevin

Galopin Des Champs

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: Paul Townend

Gentlemansgame

Trainer: Mouse Morris
Jockey: Darragh O'Keeffe

Gerri Colombe

Trainer: Gordon Elliott
Jockey: Jack Kennedy

Hewick

Trainer: Shark Hanlon
Jockey: Jordan Gainford

Jungle Boogie

Trainer: Henry de Bromhead
Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

L'Homme Presse

Trainer: Venetia Williams
Jockey: Charlie Deutsch

Monkfish

Trainer: Willie Mullins
Jockey: TBD

Nassalam

Trainer: Gary Moore
Jockey: Niall Houlihan

The Real Whacker

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Trainer: Patrick Neville
Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies

Gold Cup odds

5-4 Galopin Des Champs
4-1 Fastorslow
10-1 Gerri Colombe
12-1 L'Homme Presse, Hewick, Bravemansgame
16-1 Gentlemansgame, Corach Rambler
20-1 Monkfish
33-1 The Real Whacker

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