HENDO RULES OUT GOLD CUP FOR SHISHKIN

NICKY HENDERSON intends to run Shishkin in the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next month, rather than going for a bold Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup bid, the trainer suggested yesterday.

- NEIL RANDON

The Seven Barrows handler favours the shorter trip of the Ryanair for his rejuvenated superstar, but doesn't rule out moving up in trip next season.

Any doubts about the nine-year-old's return to form after flops in both the Champion Chase and this season's Tingle Creek were dispelled with a tremendous display in the Betfair Ascot Chase on Saturday, where he was trying two miles and five furlongs for the first time under rules.