Colin Tizzard believes a strong end to the season for Thistlecrack could see him embark on a Gold Cup campaign next year.
The eight-year-old is the ante-post favourite for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham having won on all three of his starts this season, including in the Cleeve Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month.
Despite limited experience on the track, Tizzard sees a bright future for Thistlecrack and says that he could be lining up for the Gold Cup in the 2017 edition of the Festival.
“I actually spoke about it with John and Heather (Snook, owners) the other night,” Tizzard told At The Races.
“Winning three-mile hurdles is absolutely fine and you wouldn’t take that away from any horse, but the ultimate aim is to win a Gold Cup.
“I’m sure if he carries on like he is and ends the season sound, John and Heather will want to go for a Gold Cup and I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t.
“It’s not like he’s been around for years, he’s only like a novice hurdler, so I think that is what will happen next year.
“We’ve got to get this season out of the way first – we all know what can go wrong with horses – but it’d be lovely to think we could try to win a Gold Cup with him next year.
“I think the Gold Cup is the greatest race, the Grand National is a handicap. For me, and most people in racing, it’s the pinnacle and I’m sure that’s the route he’ll take.”
