Gold Cup hero Native River pips Altior and Might Bite for top spot

Native River ran just twice last season but his Gold Cup-winning performance has resulted in him being ranked the highest-rated horse in the Anglo-Irish steeplechase classification for the 2017-18 season.

The Colin Tizzard-trained eight-year-old's rating of 176 was 1lb higher than the mark awarded to Game Spirit, Champion Chase and Celebration Chase winner Altior, with Gold Cup runner-up and King George and Aintree Bowl winner Might Bite taking the final podium position on a mark of 172.

Balko Des Flos and Sizing John were the joint-highest rated Irish horses in fifth, on 169, putting them 1lb behind Waiting Patiently.

Footpad (166) and Presenting Percy (165) were the two highest-rated novice chasers. Al Boum Photo and Sceau Royal were tied third on that list on 159.

Faugheen (169) came out top in the hurdles category, from Champion Hurdle winner Buveur D'Air (166), Melon and Penhill (165). Samcro (160), Summerville Boy and We Have A Dream (156) were the top-rated novice hurdlers.

This story is being updated and more news will follow shortly. You can also follow the Racing Post on Twitter (@RacingPost) to get the latest alerts