On just his second start of the season, Native River made all the running and proved to be an ultra-tough performer as he saw out the trip best of all to land the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Third 12 months ago, the Native River was battling against the trends to become one of the many few horses to have been beaten in the previous years Gold Cup, before coming out and winning the following year’s renewal, the but that certainly didn’t stop the chestnut gelding.
Sent to the front as the tapes went up for the £650,000 contest, the eight-year-old always had the 4/1 favourite, Might Bite, for close company throughout the 3m 2f race, and dictating the tempo at the head of affairs, the pair were never challenged by any of their other 13 rivals.
Swinging for home, Might Bite appeared to be travelling ominously well, however Native River is a dour stayer as a former winner of the Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National, and he was never headed, finding best from the last to prevail by four and-a-half lengths under Richard Johnson.
Native River ran just the once between the flags before joining Tizzard’s west country yard, when in a four-year-old maiden at Dromahane.
Then under the care of Denis Ahern, Native River was in third position after jumping the final fence, when hampered and parting company with Pa King.
Following that opening effort, Native River was bought privately by bloodstock agent Tom Malone to join current connections.
They have been well rewarded for their purchase, with Native River having now accumulated over €990,000 in career prize money.
Of the other Irish Point-to-Point graduates who completed, Road To Respect finished fourth, Definitly Red sixth, Edwulf under Derek O’Connor were eighth, and American ninth.
A stunning performance from Native River who wins the Gold Cup @CheltenhamRaces and provides Richard Johnson with his second success in the race. #TheFestival
— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) March 16, 2018
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