Native River ready for National Racehorse Week after TikTok stardom

The 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero and now TikTok sensation Native River will be one of the stars of the show during National Racehorse Week, with fans able to visit him at the yard where he is enjoying his retirement.

The 12-year-old took social media by storm when 16-year-old student Zara Cox rode him to her prom night and the public will be able to see the popular chestnut – also winner of a Welsh National, Hennessy Gold Cup and three Denman Chases – at his retirement home with bloodstock agent Tom Malone near Taunton in Somerset.

Malone's yard will be open from midday until 2pm on Saturday, September 17 and will be free to attend, although donations are encouraged to be made to Heros rehoming racehorses charity and visitors must register to attend via the National Racehorse Week website.

Native River: will be the centre of attention at a yard visit once moreCredit: John Beasley

"I got in touch with Richard Phillips and he suggested that it'd be a brilliant idea and what people needed," Malone said. "Their wealth, experience and knowledge of running events like this was going to be key. We have everything ready here, but they can get it to the wider masses.

"I think there's already about 60 people interested and Richard kindly asked if Heros could be the charity, so they're coming down for the day as well.

"We'll have refreshments and everyone can have a picture with Native River and I'll show him being ridden and the way he's taken to his new role too, as well as what anyone wants to know about him."

Native River's perfect prom night behaviour proved so popular that it took off on various social media platforms, and Malone hopes his visiting fans will be able to see his wonderful temperament at first-hand once again.

"He's a beautiful horse to be around day to day and he'll love the experience," he added. "His video on TikTok went worldwide, there were over three million views! It's the definition of viral, it was amazing.

"His old owners Garth and Anne Broom will be here and they'll be loving it too. It'll be a real feelgood factor for the end of the week."

If you wish to visit Native River then register to attend the yard here

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