Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John is being aimed at the National Hunt Triple Crown this coming season, his connections have confirmed.

The seven-year-old landed the Gold Cup treble last term claiming the Cheltenham,  Punchestown and Leopardstown trophies, but now they are looking at the treble. after a bonus of £1million was confirmed.

To land the National Hunt Triple Crown you need to win the  Betfair Chase at Haydock, the King George VI Chase at Kempton and the Gold Cup at Cheltenham.

Since its inception in 2005, only the brilliant Kauto Star has succeeded.

“This bonus is a great extra incentive and builds the season towards a crescendo for the sport,” said trainer Jessica Harrington

“Ever since Sizing John won in April at Punchestown we have had the Triple Crown on our minds. Our aim is to start him off in the Betfair Chase at Haydock in November.

“He looks fantastic and we are really keen to have a crack at the £1 million bonus for winning the three races. It’s exciting to have a horse to run in these races.”

Colin Tizzard will aim Cue Card at the bonus again, having won the Haydock event for three of the last four seasons.

“It’s fantastic that the £1 million is on offer again. Having come so close to winning it two years ago with Cue Card and winning the Betfair Chase again last year we are really excited for the season ahead. Who’s to say this won’t be his year?” said Tizzard.

Nicky Henderson has also revealed that the enigmatic Might Bite will have the bonus as a target.

“The Chase Triple Crown is a fantastic initiative and it’s great that Jockey Club Racecourses is repeating the bonus,” he said.

“It focuses your mind as to where to start the season if you want a chance of winning the Triple Crown. Might Bite’s main objective is the King George so with this bonus it would certainly make sense to start at Haydock Park.”

Bookmakers are pricing up the Triple Crown and Coral have Sizing John ass the favourite at 20/1. Thistlecrack is 25-1 to win the £1m, with Might Bite 33-1,.

“Sizing John landed a big race hat-trick of his own last season, with wins at Leopardstown, Cheltenham and Punchestown, and we reckon he’s the most likely contender to match Kauto Star’s feat and scoop the £1 million bonus,” said Coral’s David Stevens.