See also » Shishkin-right-on-target-on-the-biggest-stage-again-in-the-Arkle
We’d always hoped (to win like that), but you never expect. It was strange, it will be all week without the crowds, but it doesn’t make it any easier watching them. Winners here are winners tough and without the crowd they are still special. We knew there was going to be plenty of pace, I didn’t know the other horse (Captain Guinness) would take him (Allmankind) on as well. But he’s got a high cruising speed and just sat on their tails. He came wide and had plenty of space, but he was impressive the way he came up the hill. We’ve had great days here in this race, Sprinter Sacre, then Altior followed him and it’s a shame he’s missing this week, but it’s extraordinary to find another. He looked as good as the other two did in this race today. He’s got a long way to go to match them, but you had to be delighted with what he did today. It was a different challenge today. We schooled on Thursday and he nearly hurdles his fences, he’s very quick which frightens you a little. He’s very fast, he’s always looked like a chaser but he’s definitely a two-miler, he’s just a natural. Nicky Henderson, trainer

Captain Guinness (IRE) and Franco De Port (FR) wore ear plugs which were removed at the start.

Captain Guinness (IRE) arrived at the start with a small amount of blood in its mouth.

Having been checked by the Veterinary Surgeon at the start, the gelding was deemed fit to race.

An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching the final bend involving, Allmankind (GB), placed fourth, ridden by Harry Skelton, Captain Guinness (IRE), placed third, ridden by Rachael Blackmore and the winner, Shishkin (IRE), ridden by Nico de Boinville.

Skelton was cautioned for careless riding as he shifted slightly right away from de Boinville, who was clear of Skelton at the time, but had not continued to the rail.

This resulted in Skelton misjudging the room available to his outside, brushing Blackmore for several strides.