The Colin Tizzard trained Reserve Tank was set for a big season over fences this year but will now have to wait until the back end of the term after picking up a ligament issue that will set him back.
Colin Tizzard’s six-year-old has won five of his 10 races under Rules to date which have included a Grade One Hurdle at Punchestown and last season landing a Grade Two Chase at Wincanton.
(Credit ATR) Assistant trainer Joe Tizzard said: “He did have a tiny bit of an issue with his suspensory ligament in the back of his knee which he jarred after Cheltenham, so you won’t see him until Christmas time at the earliest.
Reserve Tank is the second English-trained winner in succession at Punchestown, seeing off the strong challenge of Sams Profile in the Alanna Homes Champion Novice Hurdle pic.twitter.com/ApSdYywocG
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“He is back in and he has been on the walker since the middle of June. He is cantering now, but it is just a case of taking it slowly with him.
“He is potentially a well-handicapped horse for the second half of his season. Last season didn’t quite go to plan, but he was still a Grade Two winner as he won the Rising Stars at Wincanton.
“He can’t do what he did as a novice hurdler without having a lot of ability.
“Hopefully there will be some really big days in him. We’ve just got to look after him a bit and get him ready for the spring festivals.”