THISTLECRACK is highly unlikely to be fit in time for the Cheltenham Festival.
Colin Tizzard revealed on Thursday that the multiple Grade 1 winner was suffering from a mystery injury.
Now a 12-year-old, Thistlecrack missed his intended engagement in the King George at Kempton over Christmas with what was initially described as a ‘bruised foot’.
But Tizzard said the horse, who was not among 40 entries for the Stayers’ Hurdle released today, would be taking it easy for the time being.
He told the Racing Post: “Thistlecrack isnt quite right at the moment. The problem we had just before Christmas hasnt corrected itself yet and hes still not sound so are just going to hang fire for a while.
We thought it was an abscess, but it might be a bit more than that.
“Im not going to say he wont run again because he might. Im still hoping to get him back this season.
Thistlecrack had shaped with distinct promise on his seasonal comeback in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.
He was an admirable second to Paisley Park, who has dominated the 3m hurdle division over the past year.
The popular veteran won the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in 2016.
