THISTLECRACK OUT OF CUP
PAGES OF FANTASTIC START WITH HORSE RACING
THISTLECRACK, favourite for the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, will miss next month’s race after suffering a tendon injury.
“He had a bit of heat in his leg last night and was a bit sore,” said trainer Colin Tizzard.
“We had the leg scanned and he has a slight tear on his tendon.
“We’ve seen it at every yard and it happens every year.”
However, Tizzard finds himself in a fortunate position as he also trains Native River the new 11-4 favourite with Ladbrokes, and the 7-2 second favourite Cue Card.
Thistlecrack had been as short as 6-4 and his absence will rob the meeting of one of its headline acts.
In recent months, injury has ruled out Faugheen and Annie Power from the Champion Hurdle and injury has prevented Coneygree from winning a second Gold Cup.
Paul Nicholls, successful in four Gold Cups, knows all about the hazards of training high profile runners – Denman, Kauto Star and Big Buck’s – and is aware of how Tizzard is feeling.
“It happens all the time with these high-class horses,” said Nicholls.
“Every night Clifford Baker, my head lad, and myself fear checking how ® these horses are. You’re always worried as you don’t know what you are going to find.
“Denman, Neptune Collonges and Big Buck’s, but fortunately not Kauto, had serious leg problems. They came back from injury. They do come back.
Frustrating
“It’s of course frustrating for Colin and the connections. But lucky for him he’s got two superstars to run in the race.
“You are pushing them hard to the line. And you get problems. It’s part and parcel of training horses.
“It’s still going to be a good Gold Cup but with Thistlecrack coming out it has lost some of its intrigue.”
Nicholls runs Saphir Du Rheu in the Gold Cup and believes he is no forlorn hope.
“His owner Andy Stewart said to me we can beat Thistlecrack,” said Nicholls. “It’s a blow to everyone.”
The trainer believes Tizzard can still win the race with Native River.
“He’s just like Denman. Native River is the only horse I’ve backed at the Festival.
“I backed him after he won the Welsh National as he was so impressive that day.”