'Not just race of the week but race of the season' - the week's biggest winners

The Racing Post's awards will honour the best (and sometimes worst) performances and raise talking points from the last seven days of racing. This week's winners are . . .

Ride of the week

Charlie Deutsch on Frero Banbou

One of the undoubted stars of the jumps season so far has been Charlie Deutsch, who is comfortably on his way to his best season helped by big-race successes in the Ladbrokes Trophy and on star novice L'Homme Presse.

His talents were once again on show when he guided Frero Banbou to victory at Lingfield on Friday. A patient Deutsch plotted a brave wide route from last to first in the two-mile handicap chase and was not intimidated as the front-running Eclair D'Ainay drifted right as the rider held his ground and powered through to the line.

Charlie Deutsch: one of the undoubted stars of the jumps season so farCredit: Edward Whitaker

That was part of a double on the day for Deutsch before his week peaked with a superb performance on Royale Pagaille in the Peter Marsh.

'Venetia is brilliant' - Rich Ricci nails it as Royale Pagaille turns back time

Deja vu of the week

Walking On Air

I swear we've been here before? Another week and another exciting novice hurdler emerges from Seven Barrows. Nicky Henderson certainly knew what he was talking about when insisting in his Racing Post stable tour at the beginning of the season that his strength this year would lie in this division.

Nicky Henderson: winner Walking On Air was one of his stable tour predictionsCredit: Edward Whitaker

A bumper runner-up on his only previous start, Walking On Air made a perfect introduction to life as a hurdler with an easy 13-length victory at Newbury on Wednesday, earning quotes of 10-1 for the Ballymore in the process.

Another festival ace? Nicky Henderson's Walking On Air stakes Ballymore claim

Feel-good moment of the week

Mark Of Gold's win at Plumpton

There were poignant scenes at Plumpton on Wednesday after Mark Of Gold won in the colours of Stevie Fisher, the former point-to-point rider and farrier who has locked-in syndrome.

Fisher, making his first racecourse visit since the pandemic started, was described as an inspiration by Sky Sports Racing presenter and friend Hayley Moore and the pair had prepared a winning interview in case the 8-11 favourite obliged.

Mark Of Gold did just that – giving Gary Moore his 200th winner at Plumpton in the process – and emotions were understandably running high in the winner's enclosure.

'Inspirational' owner with locked-in syndrome strikes with Mark Of Gold

Race of the week

Clarence House Chase

Not just race of the week but race of the season – or perhaps the decade? Shishkin v Energumene was a classic.

Jumps classic: Shishkin (right) collars Energumene in the dying stridesCredit: Edward Whitaker

For one reason or another these heavyweight clashes don't always work out, but Saturday's Clarence House at Ascot provided everything that could be wished for – and more.

In the battle of the unbeaten chasers, Energumene led everywhere bar the line as Shishkin gradually wore his rival down in the final few yards.

Both brave and extremely talented horses emerged from an enthralling duel with their reputations enhanced. Bring on round two at Cheltenham!

'One of the best I've ever been in' - stunning Shishkin beats Energumene in epic

Trainer of the week

Donald McCain

The Cheshire trainer notched a notable milestone when becoming the first trainer to reach 100 winners in Britain this season, courtesy of Cenotice's success at Newcastle on Tuesday.

Three-figure totals used to be the norm at Bankhouse, but this was McCain's first century since the 2013-14 season – coming before the end of January too.

McCain, who is operating with a 23 per cent strike-rate this season, has some exciting young horses for the spring, none more so than Saturday's Grade 2 Altcar Novices' Chase winner Minella Drama.

'Surprised' Donald McCain becomes first trainer to reach 100 winners this season

Read more from The Last Word . . .

View From The Saddle: 'An absolute gem of a contest' – Leighton Aspell with his big-race verdict

The Cook Review: shorter trip of Champion Chase means Shishkin is no good thing for Cheltenham

Racing Post Ratings: Shishkin stays ahead of Energumene – and left-handed Cheltenham should help him

The Front Runner is our latest email newsletter available exclusively to Members' Club Ultimate subscribers. Chris Cook, a four-time Racing Reporter of the Year award winner, provides his take on the day's biggest stories and tips for the upcoming racing every morning from Monday to Friday