THISTLECRACK reinforced his position as the leading staying hurdler of the season with an authoritative triumph in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham.

Colin Tizzard's eight-year-old had won the Long Distance Hurdle and Long Walk in style as he comprehensively dismissed any doubts about whether he would handle the track.

Knockara Beau and Camping Ground took the field along, while Tom Scudamore had Thistlecrack (4-5 favourite) settled nicely just off the pace.

Cruising into the leads before the final flight, he strode up the hill in tremendous fashion by 12 lengths.

Ptit Zig stayed on to take second place.

Scudamore said: "He's laid down a pretty big marker.

"That was a tremendous feeling, hopefully we can do the same in five or six weeks' time.

"You can ride him however you want to ride him - he gives you so much confidence.

"He's just fantastic."

Tizzard said: "He was brilliant. He powered up that hill against really top-class opposition.

"It's a World Hurdle qualifier and he's won it without coming off the bridle.

"At home he works like that and he's done it on the track.

"Nothing can stay with him any more on the gallops at home."