Native scores for big-race king Tizzard

Another Saturday, another big winner for Colin Tizzard as Native River toughed it out in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury.

The 7-2 favourite was always prominent under Richard Johnson in the 3m2f showpiece and looked set for a clear-cut win when seeing off the persistent challenge of Double Ross (50-1) four out.

However, he was joined by Carole’s Destrier (25-1) on the run-in and the champion jockey had to be at his best to claim his first Hennessy by half- a- length with Double Ross back in third.

Trainer Tizzard said: “Everything was right for him. It was a big race.

“He went clear and looked like he would win easily. Carole’s Destrier nearly got to him but then he went again, which is the sign of a good, honest stayer.

“Did we think he would be a Hennessy horse? We always dreamed about it but he has now done it.

“He travelled better than he ever has and jumped beautifully. I’ve got all these toys and I can’t believe I’m talk- ing to all you chaps.These horses f o u n d m e . We ’ v e got a system going well and long may it last.

“He’s in the Welsh National but he won’t go there if it is a slog. He’s a stayer but he might just be a bit better than that.

“If he is in the same sort of form in March he will join Thistlecrack and Cue Card in the Gold Cup.”

William Hill slashed Native River to 14-1 from 33s for the big one at Cheltenham.

Tizzard also has the current Gold Cup jolly in Thistlecrack (1- 8 Fav) who made it three in a row over fences with a polished performance in the Worcester Novices’ Chase. There were none of the mistakes which marred the gelding’s last run at Cheltenham as he made short work of a decent f ield under Tom Scuda

more, coasting home eight lengths to the good of Bigbadjohn (7-1).

Tizzard added: “I don’t think it gets any better than that, he was immaculate. Any fears we had after Cheltenham were put to bed today.”

Paddy Power cut Thistlecrack to 11- 4 favourite from 7-2 for the Gold Cup but William Hill kept him as their 100-30 market leader.

The Dorset handler completed a big-race treble when Ultragold (9-2) claimed the Jim Joel Memorial Chase in the hands of Tom O’Brien.

Meanwhile, Irving (6-1) regained his Fighting Fifth Hurdle crown in a dramatic renewal of the Newcastle Grade 1.

Paul Nicholls’ gelding seemed outpaced turning for home but responded admirably to Harry Cobden’s urgings when hitting the front two out.

The eight- year- old looked in trouble when Apple’s Jade (15-8 Fav) came with a powerful late challenge but Irving just lasted home to repeat his 2014 strike by a nose.

Venetia Williams’ Otago Trail (9-1) relished the soft conditions when landing the Rehearsal Chase under Liam Treadwell.