Return of Thistlecrack – October 25th

2017 Gold Cup ante-post favourite Thistlecrack cruised to victory on his chase debut today at Chepstow.

The current Ryanair World Hurdle champion, Thistlecrack sailed home in south Wales leading from start to finish, winning by four lengths without coming off the bridal.

Five runners contested the Aspen Waite Complete Business Growth Service Novices’ Chase over 2m7f131y, but it was easy for the Colin Tizzard trained gelding, who glided over all fences in his path without fault.

Thistlecrack was one of the best hurdlers of the 2015/16 season

The near flawless performance from the 8-year-old has seen his odds cut to 4/1 in places, although 5/1 is the best available price.

Trainer Tizzard said “It was a beautiful performance.”

Tizzard also confirmed that Thistlecrack’s next outing will be at Cheltenham, likely at the Open Festival, before the Feltham [Kauto Star Novices’ Chase] at Kempton in December.

Tizzard said “If we’re going to go the Gold Cup then we need to know he jumps round Cheltenham. The plan was two novice chases then the Feltham at Kempton.”

Elsewhere, the strongest card of the day is found on the all-weather track in Newcastle, headlined by the Electron Services NE Ltd Median Auction Maiden Stakes over 6f which features Mazyoun, who is the heavy odds-on favourite.