Thistlecrack ruled out of Cheltenham Gold Cup for second year running

Might Bite has now emerged as 4-1 favourite to claim victory at the Gold Cup

Tom Scudamore riding Thistlecrack at Wincanton racecourse (Getty)

Thistlecrack will miss the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second year in a row after suffering a stress fracture in his leg.

The Colin Tizzard-trained 10-year-old was expected to become one of racing’s superstars after winning the 2016 King George VI Chase in style but he missed last year’s Gold Cup with a tendon problem that kept him out of action until December.

Thistlecrack finished fourth in his King George defence, but Tizzard’s daughter Kim revealed that he will once again miss Cheltenham, leaving Might Bite as 4-1 favourite for the Gold Cup.

Kim Tizzard told At The Races: “He was a little bit stiff behind after the King George and he’s been off and had X-rays and bone scans – it’s gutting.

“He ran a screamer. He jumped really well and we were getting excited that the old Thistlecrack was still there.

“We were going for the Gold Cup – we’re gutted. Hopefully he’ll have his box rest and come back next season.

“We’re gutted for the team, the owners, everyone. We’ve still got a horse, at the end of the day.”