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Patrick McCann
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Arguably the most anticipated showdown at next week’s Cheltenham Festival is over, as Energumene will not face Shishkin at the Sporting Life Arkle after Willie Mullins revealed on Friday morning that his undefeated pursuer is lame.
Energumene was as short as 2-1 in the decisive clash with Shishkin after winning all three of his hurdles starts by a combined 36 1/2 lengths and earning a 163 rating.
Mullins told the Racing Post: “Energumene is unfortunately lame after suffering a setback. I don’t know the extent of the injury at this stage as we have not fully reviewed it yet, but it will not make it to the festival.
“It’s a shame as it was one of the festival races that everyone was looking forward to. It’s very disappointing for everyone, plus Nicky Henderson and Joe Donnelly, of course.”
Arkle card and bets
Energumene was part of an elite band of rookie hunters that had acquired a 160 rating prior to this season’s festival. Royal Pagaille, Monkfish, Envoi Allen and Shishkin have followed suit and Mullins described his victory in the Irish Arkle at Leopardstown’s Dublin Racing Festival as almost flawless.
Mullins said at the time: “I thought it was a great performance from a rookie to jump and gallop like he did. I don’t think he really did anything wrong, maybe he lagged a bit behind at last – and Paul said he was a Little out of another fence, but other than that it was the best you can get for a horse having his third run over the fences. “
That ten-length loss to his stablemate Franco De Port, a Grade 1 winner in his previous outing, earned Energumene a Racing Post rating of 168.
Hurdles have been Energumene’s brainchild this season, and he barely got out of second gear when he won an 18 length beginner chase at Gowran in November. He then took over the clever Captain Guinness at Naas and a first Grade 1 win followed with minimal fuss at Leopardstown last month.
In the absence of Energumene, last year’s winner in the Supreme Novices hurdles competition, Shishkin, also undefeated in hurdles, is now down to 4-7 with Paddy Power for the Arkle. Allmankind is 9-2 with the same signature, while Captain Guinness is 8-1.
Read more about the 2021 Cheltenham Festival:
Thyme Hill to miss Stayers’ Hurdle showdown with Paisley Park
Go from good to mild in all fields after overnight rain
‘Some will have to go to beat Native River’ – Johnson dismisses Gold Cup warning
Virtual Cheltenham Festival Preview Nights – Full List of Events You Can Watch
Check out the Racing Post Cheltenham Festival microsite for the latest tips and odds on each festival race. Cheltenham’s best betting tips and exclusive free bet offers all in one place.
FIRST POST 10:47 AM, MARCH 12, 2021
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