Tizzard plans to go Dutch

COLIN TIZZARD, successful with Native River in last Friday’s Cheltenham Gold Cup, hopes the celebrations will continue with The Dutchman in next month’s Randox Health Grand National.

After Tizzard landed a double with Bally Longford and Sizing Granite at Newbury yesterday, his son, Joe, said: “Dad couldn’t be here today as he’s attending another party!

“I’m already thinking about the race (Gold Cup) next year. It brought a tear to my eye and that’s never happened before.”

Tizzard, above, has not ruled out Native River running again this term, with the Punchestown Gold Cup a possibility.

More immediately his son is making a convincing case for The Dutchman in the National despite the gelding failing to fire on his latest outing.

“He broke a blood vessel in the Grand National Trial at Haydock,” said Tizzard. “He had won well on heavy ground in the Peter Marsh Chase the time before. “We’ve been easy on him since Haydock and he seems to be really well in himself.

“I think the race should suit. We’re hopeful he will stay, and he also jumps very well which is always important for a test like Aintree.”

Tizzard has yet to secure a jockey for The Dutchman, a 33-1 chance for the Aintree marathon which takes place on April 14.

Harry Cobden, the gelding’s regular rider, has been claimed by his boss Paul Nicholls for Warriors Tale in the showpiece race.