Tizzard delighted as Thistlecrack rekindles his old form in King George

Colin Tizzard is relishing another clash between his pair Thistlecrack and Native River after their second and third-placed efforts behind Clan Des Obeaux in the King George.

Thistlecrack, who has not won since landing this race in 2016, had Kempton racegoers cheering him for a comeback success as he swept into the lead. He battled bravely down the home straight but was unable to fend off Clan Des Obeaux.

Tizzard said: "It was lovely to see Thistlecrack back in form. I think he was as good as ever there. He's ten coming on 11 and it's great to have him back. I don't know where we'll go with him now."

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Thistlecrack's jockey Tom Scudamore added: "There were no excuses, he was beaten by a better horse on the day. He's jumped fantastic, as well as he's ever jumped, and they've pulled a long way clear of the rest.

"Take nothing away from the winner, he was very impressive and is a good horse, but we're back on track. Roll on March. All I was conscious of was trying to do the same as when we won the race around here, it nearly came off but he's run a great race."

After staying on to grab third, Native River was shortened by a few firms to retain his Magners Cheltenham Gold Cup crown, although he can still be backed at 6-1.

Richard Johnson's mount looked set to finish in rear as they turned for home but kept on strongly to grab third.

Colin Tizzard: 'I'm happy but we would have rather had the first and fourth than second and third'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Tizzard added: "Good old Native River ran another great race. He was jumping left-handed and was flat out all the way but stayed on for third.

"It was a very good Gold Cup trial for him. We'll probably go back to Newbury, where he won last year [Denman Chase], before Cheltenham."

The trainer added: "They both ran lovely races, so I'm happy but we would have rather had the first and fourth than second and third. We'll make sure they're both separated for now, but hopefully they'll clash again in the Gold Cup."

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