Thistlecrack: find out what this popular racehorse is up to now

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Published In Features
Thistlecrack
Thistlecrack, pictured winning at Aintree in April 2016.
(Image credit: Bill Selwyn and Stephen Sparkes)

Popular racehorse Thistlecrack was an outstanding staying hurdler before making a name for himself over fences. His win in the prestigious Grade One King George VI Chase at Kempton in December 2016 was the highlight of his chasing career. While racing he won 13 of his 25 starts, amassing £743,651 in prize money, with Tom Scudamore most often seen in the saddle.

The popular bay, who was trained by Dorset-based Colin Tizzard and is owned by John and Heather Snook, started his career by winning the Grade One Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in 2015. He went on to triumph in the Grade Two Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, followed by the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot and the Grade Two Sleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January 2016. He also won the Grade One World Hurdle at Cheltenham Festival and the Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle at Aintree in 2016.

Gemma Redrup
Gemma Redrup
Former web features editor, point-to-point editor and digital racing editor

Gemma is an experienced journalist, who was a member of H&H staff from 2014 to September 2025. She is passionate about all equestrian sports, including racing and point-to-pointing. She has enjoyed riding out for top trainers Nicky Henderson and Charlie Appleby and took part in a charity Flat race at Epsom in August 2018. Gemma’s has reported from numerous five-star events around Britain and Europe, as well as European championships.