Energumene raced away with a dramatic Champion Chase (3.30) on day two of the Cheltenham Pageant, as massive race favorite Shishkin - a 5/6 fav - was pulled up after only a few fences by jockey Nico De Boinville.
Shortly after the group groaned at Shishkin’s departure, well-fancied Chacun Pour Soi unseated his rider Patrick Mullins.
That left the smooth-travelling Energumene to scoop a primary Champion Chase for Willie Mullins with 40/1 shot Funambole Sivola got here by for second forward of Envoi Allen (10/1) and Politologue (80/1.)
Shiskin’s dissatisfied coach put among the blame on Cheltenham course clerks for watering the bottom which - alongside continued rainfall - had triggered the bottom to change into heavy.
Coach Nicky Henderson mentioned: "He could not get out of the bottom going to the primary fence. Nico was useless proper there was no level subjecting him to that. When the bottom is like this, you might be into the actual extremes. It was purely ground-related full cease."
Envoi Allen and Chacun Pour Soi led over the lightning fast early fences, with Put The Kettle On simply in behind. Shishkin settled in rear was pushed alongside early on to wake him up with Energumene held up final - a whole change on his earlier front-running ways.
Shishkin was by no means travelling and was pulled up after the primary ditch to an excellent groan from the group and - simply as he took it up Chacun Pour Soi unseated his rider on the fence in-between the ditches.
Energumene was all the time travelling properly and swept clear on the house bend beneath Paul Townend to win simply by 8 lengths with Funambole Sivola some 5 lengths away from the third Envoi Allen and Politologue.
Tony Bloom, proprietor of Energumene and Premier League membership Brighton and Hove Albion, mentioned he was “so proud” of his horse.
Politologue, winner of the race in 2020, was instantly retired after the race and was applauded by punters across the parade ring as he took a lap of honour.