Native River cut for Gold Cup repeat after delighting Tizzard with Haydock run

Native River was trimmed for a repeat Cheltenham Gold Cup triumph after pleasing trainer Colin Tizzard with his second-placed finish behind Bristol De Mai on his first start since March.

The eight-year-old was cut into a general 5-1 (from 6), with last season's RSA Insurance Novices' Chase winner Presenting Percy now the Gold Cup favourite with the majority of firms.

Richard Johnson aboard Native River took on the winner up front, heading him on a couple of occasions, but was slightly outpaced from three out before keeping on again for a four-length second.

Tizzard, who won the Betfair Chase three times with Cue Card, was also satisfied with the performance of third-placed Thistlecrack on his first outing since last season's King George VI Chase 11 months ago.

Ridden by Tom Scudamore, Thistlecrack was never quite able to reach a challenging position but stayed on to finish only a length and three-quarters behind his stablemate in third.

"Bristol De Mai is a very good horse round here," stressed Tizzard as he welcomed his two chasers back to the winner's enclosure. "There's no knocking him at all. We're chuffed with our two.

"It was a lovely comeback but on the day the best horse won it. They ran lovely races, they were right there with a chance two out. There's a long season ahead and both of ours are still very good horses, that's the main thing."

Both horses could now take on Bristol De Mai again in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

"There aren't many races for Native River but I'm sure he could go for the King George," Tizzard said. "We'll have to think about it but our ultimate aim is to win the Gold Cup again.

"I'd say Thistlecrack will go for the King George. The Ladbrokes Trophy will be a bit too soon."

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