Tizzard cautious over Thistlecrack

Colin Tizzard says Thistlecrack will stay in novice races as he considers his options ahead of the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Thistlecrack won the bet365 Novices' Chase at Newbury on Saturday, the eight-year-old's eighth successive win and the World Hurdle winner's third win over larger obstacles, following victories at Chepstow and Cheltenham.

However, Tizzard says Thistlecrack may swerve the King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on St Stephen's Day, the Grade One race over three miles.

"He learned plenty from Cheltenham and whatever schooling you do at home, they still have to do it on the racecourse," he said.

"He was right on his game and is probably just about getting fit now. You could not dream of it going any better, but as he was 1/8 favourite you half-expect it.

"I can't believe I am talking about these sorts of horse, it's lovely for us as a family yard and it just shows it can be done.

"The King George is a real test for any horse and I'm not sure he is ready for that yet. We will leave him in it for a while, just in case. All options need to be talked about.

"We've got to mind this horse, as we don't want to go up the ladder six strides at a time and then slip back down."

Also on Saturday, champion jockey Richard Johnson won a first Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on the Tizzard-trained Native River.

Native River beat Carole's Destrier by half a length, with the pair five lengths clear of Double Ross in third, with Hadrian's Approach fourth.

Johnson said: "It's always nice to win one you haven't before.

"He's a fantastic horse and Colin and his team are in amazing form. I'd knew he'd pick up again, although turning in I was a bit worried I wasn't going that well. But he's one of those - the more you ask, the more he gives.

"You ride horses day in, day out, and the big Saturday ones are the ones that make it worthwhile."

Tizzard hailed "a brilliant day" following Native River's win and Thistlecrack maintaining his unbeaten record over fences.

"Everything was right for him - it was a big race," he said.

"Richard said that when he went clear and the other one [Carole's Destrier] got to him, he went again, which is the sign of a good horse.

"It's a brilliant day again."

Photo (©Getty Images/Alan Crowhurst)

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