Thistlecrack's World Hurdle win further proof he is head and shoulders above rest

While not having the numbers enjoyed by the likes of Willie Mullins and Nicky Henderson, in Thistlecrack the Dorset handler has a horse that can not only compete with the very best, but one that is head and shoulders above his contemporaries.

Since taking apart his rivals on his seasonal return in the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury, the eight-year-old has continued to impress with two subsequent victories in the Long Walk Hurdle and the Cleeve Hurdle stamping his authority over a once open-looking division.

Once again the even-money favourite barely looked like he needed to get out of second gear, to give Tizzard his first taste of victory in the race.

Thistlecrack was cut to 10-1 for next year’s Gold Cup with BoyleSports, Paddy Power and William Hill, while Ladbrokes went 8-1.

Tizzard said: “We didn’t expect it to be that easy, it’s the World Hurdle, isn’t it? But he’s been like that all season, hasn’t he, and it’s lovely to get him here in the same form again.

“He’s huge, but he wasn’t always like that. Heather and John (Snook, owners) had to be very patient with him, he’s just grown into himself in the last 12 months. He’s gone from being quite a nice horse to a superstar. He’s as good as they get.”

St Patrick’s Day belonged to the Irish with a total of six winners, including three more for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh – Black Hercules, Vautour and Limini.

Mullins hailed Walsh “the best jockey I’ve had ride for me” after the rider recorded his 50th career success on day three of the Cheltenham Festival.

Mullins and Walsh combined for the first time to score at the Festival when Alexander Banquet won the Champion Bumper in 1998, when the pilot was a mere 18 years old.

Habton Grange trainer Tim Easterby is hopeful for drying ground for Hawk High, his 2014 Festival winner, who will run in the County Hurdle today.