Thistlecrack out of Gold Cup with stress fracture

Thistlecrack has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second year running following the discovery of a stress fracture in a leg yesterday.

The 10-year-old ran a promising race in the King George at Kempton over Christmasbut had been stiff since then, leading to the discovery of his latest injury.

“We were just getting really excited that the old Thistlecrack was still there and hopeful that he would go to the Gold Cup,” said Kim Tizzard, assistant trainer to her father, Colin.