THISTLECRACK shines on a Grade 1 day for Colin Tizzard and Tattersalls Ireland graduates
It was a day to remember for trainer Colin Tizzard at Kempton; his Tattersalls Ireland graduates dominated the card with a 1-2 in the Grade 1 King George VI Chase and victory in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase.
1-2 for Tattersalls Ireland graduates in Grade 1 King George VI Chase
Households were divided going into the Grade 1 King George VI Chase at Kempton not to mention trainer Colin Tizzard who could not separate his two stable stars. The bold decision to put THISTLECRACK into the race by owners John and Heather Snook paid off as he proved far too superior to his rivals including last year's winner CUE CARD who had to settle for second position. This was an extraordinary performance from a Novice on just his fourth chasing outing and ensures he is now a clear favourite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March where he took last seasons World Hurdle.
THISTLECRACK, who is unbeaten in chasing company, was sold on two occasions at Tattersalls Ireland. He was sold as a foal at the 2008 November National Hunt Sale by breeders Cobhall Court Stud for €32,000 to John McDonald. The son of Kayf Tara missed his date with the Derby Sale due to a stone bruise but re-routed to the 2011 August National Hunt Sale and was sold to owner John Snook for €43,000 by McDonald's Derrymore House.
Derby Sale graduate ROYAL VACATION wins Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase
Earlier on the card at Kempton, the connections of CUE CARD enjoyed Grade 1 success with yet another Derby Sale graduate. A slick round of jumping played the key role to ROYAL VACATION's success in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase for owner Jean Bishop and Colin Tizzard, partnered by Paddy Brennan.
The six-year-old, a son of King's Theatre, is another horse under the charge of Tizzard who has passed through the ring at Tattersalls Ireland twice. Initially sold as a foal at the 2010 November National Hunt Sale by Ballincurrig House Stud to Aiden Murphy for €30,000, ROYAL VACATION was reoffered as a three-year-old at the 2013 Derby Sale by Goldford Stud and purchased by Aidan Kennedy for €90,000.