Races
AINTREE REWIND: Thistlecrack wins the 2016 Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle
Colin Tizzard’s Thistlecrack rounded off an unbeaten season at Aintree in 2016
By the end of the 2015/16 National Hunt season, Thistlecrack looked untouchable in the staying hurdle division.
Colin Tizzard’s talent had become a star over hurdles, winning all four of his starts that season including the Ryanair World Hurdle.
The then eight-year-old was sent to Aintree with one more assignment for the season in the form of the Liverpool Stayers’ Hurdle.
The gelding set the pace early and he looked comfortable throughout the contest at the Merseyside track.
Thistlecrack quickened up approaching five out and his sheer pace began to show on the entrance to the home straight.
Tizzard’s runner cleared away from the pack after two out with Tom Scudamore barely having to lift a finger to get him going in the home straight, bolting up to win by seven lengths.
Thistlecrack was sent to tackle fences the following season, landing the King George VI Chase at Kempton as a novice.
The National Hunt star would be retired in March 2021.
