Thistlecrack ‘can do things others can’t even dream of’

The smile on the face of trainer Colin Tizzard painted a picture of both relief and joy as Thistlecrack set out on the Timico Gold Cup trail with an effortless victory in the Aspen Waite Complete Business Growth Service Novices’ Chase at Chepstow yesterday.

In one of the most eagerly anticipated seasonal returns in many a year, the eight-year-old did not disappoint, putting in a near foot-perfect display to make a successful start to his chasing career in Monmouthshire just as esteemed stablemate Cue Card had done five years ago.

While sterner tests lie in store for the four-times Grade One-winning hurdler, he could have hardly been more impressive in casting his authority over his rivals in the manner of a horse destined to make it at the top rung of the chasing ladder.