SHISHKIN RULES SUPREME

NEVER had a victory looked so unlikely as when Shishkin snatched the prize from under Energumene's nose in yesterday's SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot.

- CHRIS GOULDING

Billed as the headliner of the season, it did not disappoint.

The Irish challenger Energumene and his rider Paul Townend looked to have complete control of the two-mile contest as they dictated the pace.

And their position of strength was further enhanced after Shishkin slipped on landing at the sixth fence.

Rounding the home bend, victory looked in the bag for Energumene but Shishkin was far from raising the white flag.