'He probably thought he was Shishkin' - Yala Enki claims third Portman Cup win

Saturday: Taunton

Yala Enki stamped his credentials on the Portman Cup once again as he cruised to a third success in the Taunton feature.

Winner of the 3m4½f chase in 2020 and 2021, the 12-year-old made all in the staying contest under Bryony Frost, pulling away down the home straight from Full Back to win by three-and-three-quarter lengths.

"He's a star, not just for the yard but for everyone," winning trainer Paul Nicholls said. "You don't need a big field to get a proper race and he's just a fantastic horse to keep on doing that every year.

"The reception he got today at Taunton was brilliant; a lot of people had turned out to see him. He's 12 now, but while he's fit and enjoys himself we'll keep going. He's stayed sound for us, gets out every morning and loves what he's doing."

Although shortened into 40-1 for this year's Grand National, Nicholls is planning to omit the Aintree showpiece in favour of the Scottish National on April 2, before lining up a tilt at a fourth Portman Cup next year.

Nicholls added: "We won't overrun him. My plan is to go to the Scottish National and if he's well we'd love to try to win this race one more time, which would be a good place to possibly retire him.

"It struck me today how much the Taunton crowd loves the horse. They cheered him off the track. He did a lap of honour in the parade ring, everyone was just so appreciative. He probably thought he was Shishkin!"

Sheppard double

Stan Sheppard enjoyed a perfect Saturday after Dorking Boy battled to the line to claim the Class 2 2m3f handicap hurdle for trainer Tom Lacey.

The eight-year-old engaged in a three-way fight to the line with Master Debonair and Leoncavallo to prevail by three-quarters of a length, before Sheppard sealed a double from just two rides on the day with 14-1 shot Love Actually for Keiran Burke.

Results, replays and analysis

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