Britain vs Ireland: Shishkin and Energumene ready for Champion Chase rematch

There has been plenty of chatter over the last 12 months surrounding the Irish domination at the 2021 Cheltenham Festival.

The vast majority of horse racing fans seem to be expecting a similar display come March. But where do the British-trained runners stand with their Irish counterparts? In the second instalment of this series, Ross Millar takes a deep dive into the Champion Chase.

Ten-year rivalry: Ireland 2 v UK 8

Best of the Irish: Energumene

The SBK Clarence House Chase delivered a fantastic spectacle. Energumene might not have won the thrilling edition of the Ascot Grade 1, but he emerged with huge credit and clearly delivered a career-best performance. 

He jumped and galloped with zest and was foot-perfect throughout, so it’s difficult to see where any tangible improvement can come from. It is possible, however, that given this was his first serious test over fences (he has been beating inferior opposition easily), he might find a small amount of improvement for the experience. 

Energumene has shown a small tendency to jump out to his right when racing on a left-handed track and, while I think too much has been made of that characteristic, it lingers as a potential worry when considering him for the Champion Chase.

Best of the British: Shishkin

There were no prizes for guessing that Shishkin would feature here! Nicky Henderson’s stablestar brought the house down at Ascot when mastering Energumene on the run to the line in the Clarence House despite failing to jump as accurately as he can (he made one notable error). He also didn’t look entirely comfortable racing right handed as he was often favouring his left lead.

Cheltenham will suit him far better and he appeared to enjoy the experience when easily winning last year's Arkle. I don’t necessarily agree that his jumping will improve simply because he is returning to a left-handed track as there is a possibility that he struggled due to the fast gallop - on the SBK podcast I likened it to a footballer struggling to adapt to the pace of an International match. 

Much has been made of the difference in distance between the Champion Chase and the Clarence House, and it’s true this is shorter. But the run-in at Cheltenham is longer and stiffer and that will play to his strengths.

Eyecatching Irish outsider: There isn’t one 

Energumene’s stablemate Chacun Pour Soi has the best chance of upsetting the principles, or at least hitting the frame, but he can’t be considered an outsider at his current odds. Captain Guinness and Dunvegan are solid performers but are miles off this level. 

Eyecatching British outsider: Nube Negra

This is sure to be run at an unrelenting, fierce pace and that might allow hold-up horses to pick up some pieces. Nube Negra finished second in this race last year and the likely pace scenario coupled with good ground will suit him well. He can run into a place for Dan Skelton.

Verdict: UK or Ireland? 

This has to be one for the Brits. Shishkin showed courage and grit to win at Ascot and I’d expect him to confirm that form with Energumene on a track that should really play to his strengths. The Champion Chase has all the ingredients to be the race of the festival.