Treble for Johnson would be his gift to the Tizzards
RACING EXCLUSIVE
Richard Johnson is not short of motivation in his ambition to capture the Wellchild Cheltenham Gold Cup aboard Native River.
He adores the bold-jumping fans’ favourite for giving him some of the greatest thrills of a long and decorated riding career.
And he’d love to make it a personal hat-trick in the race after Looks Like Trouble in 2000 and Native River three years ago. But delivering an emotional victory for Colin Tizzard would mean more than anything to Johnson, following such a tragic year for trainer and family. Tizzard’s daughter, Kim Gingell, died at the age of 43 last May, following a short battle with cancer. She was her dad’s right-hand woman in the training operation, a linchpin of the Venn Farm yard, mum to Freddie, and wife to Dave. There have been precious few big race triumphs from the powerhouse Somerset yard in a season of struggles.
However, Johnson hopes last Saturday’s heart-warming victory by Native River in the Cotswold Chase sets the tone for a superb spring for the Tizzards. Johnson said: “Everyone has had a rubbish year but they, personally, really suffered the most dreadful time.
“Kim was a massive part of their team. I knew her well. She was a fantastic person.
“I think, for them, it would be great to see a little change of luck. “You see it regularly with different yards. If hitting form there are horses with huge chances in a lot of races at the festivals.
“Their horses haven’t quite been on fire. Looking at that, the form will change.
“It would be nice for them to have something to celebrate after what they’ve endured the last 12 months.” Native River, which beat Might Bite in an epic 2018 duel, missed last year’s renewal through injury. He boasts a third to Sizing John at his first attempt in 2016, and a fourth to Al Boum Photo in 2019 on his Gold Cup scorecard.
A comeback third at Aintree in December was misleading because fences were omitted on account of the low sun.
Johnson believes the more recent evidence – beating Bristol De Mai and Santini – bodes well for the 11-year-old rolling back the years. He’s as short as 12/1 for the big prize next month.
Johnson said: “He ran really well at Aintree. But the fences are important for him. Jumping is one of his strengths so that probably didn’t suit.
“It was nice to see him back in that sort of form at Sandown and, hopefully, that says he’s ready for another crack at the Gold Cup. “I hope he can do it again. His attitude is great. He stays really well, he’s won one, and been placed in two.
“If the ground is on the slow side, he’s one of those who doesn’t run a bad race.
“Sandown brought a smile to my face. Just the thought of riding him again at Cheltenham in a few weeks keeps the smile there.” Johnson’s expert handling helped Native River go from strength to strength since landing the ride with victory in the Mildmay Novice Chase at the 2016 Grand National meeting. “It’s amazing to have the association,” Johnson grinned. “Everyone loves really good chasers with longevity.
“He wears his heart on his sleeve, and gave me one of the best days of my career at Cheltenham. “What he’s achieved in five years is incredible. Full credit to the Tizzard team.
“It’s an art in itself to keep them coming back for more at the top level.”