COLIN Tizzard has been in excellent form recently and the Dorset trainer landed another prestigious prize as 7/2 chance Thistlecrack took the Grace 2 bet365 Long Distance Hurdle immediately before stable-companion Theatre Guide’s gallant if unavailing effort in the Hennessy.

In a five-runner race where proven Grade 1 performers Cole Harden and Whisper were preferred in the market, Thistlecrack and Tom Scudamore were in no hurry and quietly moved into contention as 16/1 outsider Deputy Dan took over from Cole Harden three out. Taking it up at the final flight he drew six lengths clear, with Deputy Dan holding Cole Harden for second. Whisper finished last of the quintet and seemed well below his best, though any horse might be forgiven a poor run on ground as soft as this.