Native River responds to Thistlecrack defeat with decisive win

As is becoming traditional, the mighty Denman put in an appearance at Newbury yesterday to lead out the field for the Grade 2 chase named in his honour.

Among those in the small field was a horse in which the great Gold Cup hero would see so much of himself – now Native River looks to have every chance of going on to etch his name alongside Denman's in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup roll of honour.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to pick holes in Native River's Gold Cup claims. The trip holds no fears for this most likeable of seven-year-olds and his will to win is there for all to see.