Extra Christmas treat as Shishkin returns against Greaneteen in Desert Orchid

Racing fans will get a belated Christmas present at Kempton on Monday after Nicky Henderson declared superstar chaser Shishkin for the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase (2.30).

Shishkin did not take his chance in the Tingle Creek at the start of the month and now makes his reappearance against three rivals, including the horse who was successful in his absence at Sandown, Greaneteen.

Sky Pirate, winner of the Grand Annual at last season's Cheltenham Festival, and the in-form Before Midnight also line up in the Grade 2 contest.

Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase: full card and betting

The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices' Chase has also attracted four runners including Edwardstone, winner of this month's Henry VIII at Sandown.

Native River heads weights for quality Welsh National

At Chepstow, Native River tops the weights in the Coral Welsh Grand National (2.50) and will be fitted with different headgear.

Native River: has cheekpieces on in the Welsh NationalCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

The Tizzards have gone back to cheekpieces, which he sported for four seasons including when successful in the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup, before being run with blinkers in December 2019 and in all seven races since.

Leading fancies Secret Reprieve, The Big Dog and Hold That Taught also feature, while 2019 Welsh National winner Potters Corner snuck in at the bottom of the weights.

Coral Welsh Grand National: full racecard and betting

The Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle has attracted 12 runners including the unbeaten trio Forever Blessed, Skycutter and Tease And Seize, while the highly regarded Porticello also features.

Declarations were also made for the Savills Chase (2.20) at Leopardstown on December 28, where Willie Mullins will be responsible for half of the eight runners.

Melon, Franco De Port, Kemboy and Janidil line up for Ireland's champion trainer but the one to beat remains A Plus Tard, who put in the performance of the season when an easy winner of the Betfair Chase last month.

December 27 cards

Welsh Grand National confirmed runners and riders

Native RiverBrendan Powell
Elegant Escape Jonjo O'Neill Jr
Kimberlite Candy Richie McLernon
Truckers Lodge Lorcan Williams
Mighty Thunder Derek Fox
Highland Hunter Harry Cobden
The Big DogJonathan Burke
Ramses De TeilleeTom Scudamore
Mac TottieSean Bowen
AchilleHugh Nugent
Secret ReprieveAdam Wedge
DiscordantlyGavin Sheehan
Deise AbaTom O'Brien
Hold That TaughtCharlie Deutsch
Colorado DocConnor Brace
IwilldoitStan Sheppard
Eva's Oskar Alan Johns
Captain DrakeLorcan Murtagh
Hill SixteenCraig Nichol
Potters CornerJack Tudor

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