Thistlecrack odds-on for Gold Cup after Don Cossack retires

Thistlecrack is now odds on to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup with Coral cutting him to 4/5 from Even money following the news that Don Cossack, a 10/1 chance, will sadly be retired.

The two other leading Colin Tizzard trained contenders, Native River and Alary, have also been cut to 5/1 from 6/1 and 16/1 from 25/1 respectively.

“The leading challengers to Thistlecrack’s bid for Gold Cup glory are falling like flies and it is looking more and more likely that his own stablemates, the likes of Native River, Alary and perhaps Cue Card should they decide to run, will prove his most dangerous opponents”, said Simon Clare, Coral Spokesman.

“With the last two winners of the race already out of the contest, and the connections of several others eyeing up the Ryanair Chase instead, Thistlecrack could well face the smallest Gold Cup field since Captain Christy took on six rivals back in 1974”, added Clare.

ENDS

** Smallest Gold Cup Fields in recent history
1992 8 runners (Cool Ground)
1975 8 runners (Ten Up)
1974 7 runners (Captain Christy)

**Gold Cup
4-5 (from Evs) Thistlecrack, 5 (from 6) Native River, 10 Djakadam, 12 Cue Card, 14 (from 16) Outlander, Valseur Lido, Alary, 25 Black Hercules, Don Poli, Douvan, Killultagh Vic,

For further information:
Simon Clare 07860 465139