Tingle Creek Chase: Shishkin among seven in Sandown centerpiece but Ferny Hollow misses | Race News
Last year’s winner Greeneteen and returning Shishkin are two of the stars among seven confirmations for the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday.
Greeneteen provided trainer Paul Nicholls with a 12th freshman contest victory 12 months ago and returns to defend his crown after an impressive Haldon Gold Cup win at Exeter.
Nicky Henderson’s training Shishkin was a notable absentee from Tingle Creek last year but proved better than ever winning the Desert Orchid at Kempton over the Christmas period before getting the better of Energumene in a thrilling Clarence House Chase at Ascot in January.
Nico de Boinville riding Shishkin flawlessly in the final
However, the eight-year-old will return with a point to prove if he is given the green light to make his comeback this weekend, having been stopped in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham in March.
Alan King looks set to give away last season’s Arkle hero Edwardstone his late reappearance after missed engagements at Cheltenham and Ascot due to an unsuitable pitch.
There is a strong presence from Ireland with winner Fortria Chase from Henry of Bromhead Captain Guinness and trained them by Willie Mullins Mr. De Mee – who slammed Edwardstone at Aintree in the spring but knocked his rider down on his reappearance at Naas – joined by Dunvegan from the court of Pat Fahy.
Bryony Frost and Greeneteen clear last in Tingle Creek at Sandown
One of Mullins’ team that does not feature is the exciting Ferny Hollow, which had an entry but was not confirmed to race.
The small but select field is complemented by Tightrope walker Sivolewho finished second to Energumene in the Champion Chase before being stopped at Aintree.
