'I badly wanted to get Shishkin - that's why I've got a face like a smacked bum'

As a former bookmaker, Shishkin's owner Joe Donnelly might have been able to offer a reasonable explanation for why his Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner was sent off at 6-1. In truth, however, even he was probably confused.

For while there was plenty of money for the triumphant owner's other runner, 9-4 favourite Asterion Forlonge, why the Supreme's long-time ante-post favourite was so unwanted by punters has become one of the Cheltenham Festival's tales of the unexpected.

Watch Shiskin defy a marked drift to land the Supreme

The core explanation is he drifted heavily on Betfair. Yet for what reason?

Exactly one month ago he was a strong 3-1 favourite, while on Monday evening he was a best-priced 4-1, but as the countdown to the race gathered pace his odds grew and grew, so much so that his Betfair starting price was 10.5. Moreover, given the troubled passage he endured under Nico de Boinville, he hit a high of 100 in-running.

Shishkin (right) rallies to defeat Abacadabras in a thrilling finale to the SupremeCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

"I badly wanted to get Shishkin, which is why I've now got a face like a smacked bum," said ring bookmaker Barry Pinnington.

"He drifted like mad early doors and I laid £500 at SP as well. He went out to 9-1 on the exchanges but I don't generally tend to lay off too much.

"In my experience that was very unusual for the Cheltenham Festival. I can't personally remember anything like it. It shows horses can drift and win."

Shishkin and Abacadabras fight out the finish of the Supreme Novices' HurdleCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fellow layer Paul Garrity said: "I honestly cannot believe it. He was a massive price.

"The mood about him was very negative but then he went out to such a big price that late on there was some decent money for him. Early doors, though, you couldn't give him away."

Happily unconcerned was Loughton-based punter Jack Hatton.

"I backed him in a Lucky 15 at 3-1, so when I saw him drifting here I backed him again at 6-1," he said.

"I've backed a couple of horses previously who drifted but still won, so it doesn't put me off. Once you've picked a horse you stick with the horse."

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