Native River back in style in Denman Chase at Newbury
Saturday 10 February 2018 15:23, UK
Native River made a successful return from almost a year on the sidelines with an impressive display in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury.
Colin Tizzard's charge won the Hennessy Gold Cup, the Welsh Grand National and this Grade Two prize last season and despite having been off the track since finishing third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last March, he was a well-backed 8-11 favourite for his belated comeback.
The eight-year-old soon adopted his customary pacesetting role in the hands of champion jockey Richard Johnson, with his two opponents Saphir Du Rheu and Cloudy Dream content to bide their time.
Johnson began to wind up the gallop on leaving the back straight and the race-fit Cloudy Dream loomed up looking a big threat after straightening up for home.
His effort was short-lived, however, and Native River's superior stamina shone through between the final two fences as he powered clear to score in comfortable style.
Cloudy Dream was second, with Saphir Du Rheu last of the three on his first start since falling in the Grand National last April.
