Shishkin pulls out of Gold Cup as Nicky Henderson problems mount

Shishkin has pulled out of Friday's Gold Cup at Cheltenham Festival as Nicky Henderson's horror week continues.

Shishkin was set to be one of the favourites to compete in the Gold Cup this Friday, with all the information on runners and odds here.

But in light of the news that top trainer Henderson has pulled his stable from Cheltenham Festival, the 10-year-old gelding has also been withdrawn.

Henderson posted on X, formerly Twitter: "Very sadly it will not be possible for Shishkin to run in the Gold Cup on Friday.

"He was scoped as have all our potential runners this week, but unfortunately he has shown an unsatisfactory picture on which he couldn't possibly run.

"He appears to be 100 per cent in himself and has been working and schooling better than ever and we were really looking forward to Friday, it is hoped that along with all the other non-participants this week that they will be back in time for Aintree or Punchestown.

"Regrettably Champ has also succumbed and will not run in tomorrow's Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle and the equivalent race at Aintree could be on the agenda."

Britain's most successful trainer Henderson had revealed earlier on Wednesday morning that the much-fancied Jonbon had been withdrawn from the Champions Chase this afternoon, as well as Kingston's Pride and First Street.

It came after a disastrous Tuesday at the Cheltenham Festival where five of six horses from Henderson's Seven Barrows stable pulling up.

Before the festival even started there were problems with Constitution Hill being ruled out.

While Henderson has had a disastrous festival so far, Sir Gino has still not been withdrawn from Friday's Triumph Hurdle.

Sir Gino is one of the favourites to win the race, the first of the day on Friday, but is a major doubt going into the final day of Cheltenham.

Wednesday has already been seriously affected with adverse weather , having an impact on race times.

All the latest information can be found on Cheltenham Festival here with talkSPORT supplying info on schedule, runners, odds and more.