Thursday 9 November 2017 11:39, UK
Thistlecrack's trainer Colin Tizzard believes his horse will come back stronger than ever after making a full recovery from a tendon injury.
The nine-year-old is set to return to action in the Ladbrokes Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury on December 1, before heading to Kempton on Boxing Day in an attempt to win the 32Red King George VI Chase for the second year running.
Thistlecrack, winner of five Grade 1s, has not raced since January where he was beaten for the first time in 10 races by 2015 Grand National winner Many Clouds in the BetBright Trial Cotswold Chase at Cheltenham.
Tizzard said: "He came in on the first of August, plenty of staying, hawking and trotting. We've been cantering him for what is now August, September and October.
"He's done plenty. He's going to have five weeks of fast work now. Started last week going fast three days a week. He's right, he should be ready.
"He's a big horse, he's always taken plenty of work, but I'd say he's just as forward as he has been for a long time."
Video and words courtesy of Great British Racing
