COLIN TIZZARD SAID he couldn’t see anything getting close to Thistlecrack in the build-up to the World Hurdle and he was proven right at Cheltenham today.
Thistlecrack, who went off as an even-money favourite with Tom Scudamore on board, stormed home to win by seven lengths from an impressive Alpha Des Obeaux (8/1).
Bobs Worth battled back well to pick up third spot but was a further 22 lengths behind.
It was the first English-trained winner of the day after the Irish claimed the honours in the first three races on the festival’s third day.
It was an outstanding performance from Thistlecrack, who has now won four in a row, and he was welcomed home by rapturous roars from the stands.
It was another hammer blow for the bookies after the well-backed Vautour (evens) earlier claimed honours in the Ryanair Chase and joint-favourite Black Hercules (4/1) was victorious in the day’s opener for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins.
And later on, in the Mares’ Novices Hurdle, Limini delivered on her 8/11 favouritism to deliver another win for Walsh and Mullins.
“We didn’t expect it to be that easy, it’s the World Hurdle, isn’t it,” Tizzard told reporters after the race.
“But he’s been like that all season hasn’t he? And it’s lovely to get him here in the same form again.
“He’s just grown into himself in the last 12 months. He’s gone from being quite a nice horse to a superstar. He’s as good as they get. Whether he jumps a fence next year I don’t know.
“I thought as I was older I could handle it (the pressure), but it’s good when they win. Now this one is done we can look forward to Cue Card (in the Gold Cup) tomorrow. I said I wasn’t going to have a drink today, but I might have a half.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
