Shishkin start debacle only the beginning of pre-race woes for trainers and punters

WE all saw Shishkin refuse to race at Ascot last weekend — and I reckon I know why he planted.

I’m going to sound like a broken record, but the blame probably lies with the BHA.

BHA have fixed a problem that did not existGetty Images – Getty

They, in their infinite wisdom, decided to ban the hunting crop a few days before Ascot.

For those who haven’t heard of it, it’s basically a very long whip the assistant starter would hold and crack against the ground.

It makes a fair ol’ noise but helped those with quirkier types who sometimes planted at the start.

I don’t know if it’s a perception issue or what, but it’s no coincidence Shishkin — and one of mine — refused several days later.

They were both deemed runners and it’s the poor punters who lose out, despite the horses not even passing the starter.

It’s not just the punters either, as myself, Nicky Henderson and the owners have ultimately wasted a trip to the races.

I won’t get into it too much, but I also feel sorry for the owners of Mixedwave, who lost a race to a whip disqualification this week.

In non-BHA news, I have to tip my hat to Equinox, who is an absolute beast of a horse and is quite clearly the best in the world.

He is not quite Equinox, but I’m hoping my promising HANSARD (2.15) can prove himself a cut above in the Gerry Fielden today.

His run in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton was an ideal preparation for this, but I’d be lying if I said he was on the perfect racing weight carrying 12 stone.

We also have NASSALAM (12.30) running in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial and I’m hoping putting the blinds on him will help him see the light of day.

He ran well on return in the Grand Sefton, but I reckon the cheeky git was holding something back for himself.

He is a proper horse when he puts it all in and hopefully the blinkers give him the focus he needs to get back to winning ways.

Finally, I reckon Salver might be my Triumph horse for this year.
I have no idea what the form is worth, but he has really impressed me and I would quite like to get the Triumph monkey off my back!

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