Energumene raced away with a dramatic Champion Chase (3.30) on day two of the Cheltenham Festival, as big race favourite Shishkin - a 5/6 fav - was pulled up after just a few fences by jockey Nico De Boinville.
Shortly after the crowd groaned at Shishkin’s departure, well-fancied Chacun Pour Soi unseated his rider Patrick Mullins.
That left the smooth-travelling Energumene to scoop a first Champion Chase for Willie Mullins with 40/1 shot Funambole Sivola came through for second ahead of Envoi Allen (10/1) and Politologue (80/1.)
Shiskin’s disappointed trainer put some of the blame on Cheltenham course clerks for watering the ground which - alongside continued rainfall - had caused the ground to become heavy.
Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "He couldn't get out of the ground going to the first fence. Nico was dead right there was no point subjecting him to that. When the ground is like this, you are into the real extremes. It was purely ground-related full stop."
Envoi Allen and Chacun Pour Soi led over the lightning quick early fences, with Put The Kettle On just in behind. Shishkin settled in rear was pushed along early on to wake him up with Energumene held up last - a complete switch on his earlier front-running tactics.
Shishkin was never travelling and was pulled up after the first ditch to a great groan from the crowd and - just as he took it up Chacun Pour Soi unseated his rider at the fence in-between the ditches.
Energumene was always travelling well and swept clear on the home bend under Paul Townend to win easily by 8 lengths with Funambole Sivola some 5 lengths clear of the third Envoi Allen and Politologue.
Tony Bloom, owner of Energumene and Premier League club Brighton and Hove Albion, said he was “so proud” of his horse.
Politologue, winner of the race in 2020, was immediately retired after the race and was applauded by punters around the parade ring as he took a lap of honour.
