NATIVE RIVER is all heart to win the 2018 Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup - Racing TV

In true spirit of this years Festival the 2018 Timico Cheltenham Gold cup is as exciting as they come. The two favourites in the betting giving punters plenty of value for their money in a thrilling battle.
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[@Siiiiii717]

Will never forget native river!!! Never seen a horse with biggest heart

[@IWTBF]

Yep she loves the heavy too ❤

[@phgkeets12]

The perfect horse for Richard Johnson Native River the brave the generous indeed

[@aeglaecaaglaeca5775]

He did it the hard way from the front, well deserved victory from both horse and jockey.

[@evilzzzability]

Native River and Might Bite were head and shoulders above anything else today. It was a virtual match race from the start. I thought Might Bite was going to chin him as they landed together at the last, but Native River dug deep and was not to be denied. A worthy champion and a valiant runner up.

[@miltonmorris8485]

Van Dieu 0

[@ismaelkahn8405]

Van Dieu m

[@baldybee]

This is one of the best gold cup runs in a while, great runs from both might bite and native river. I was luckily on Native river as his run last year was brilliant, I managed to have first and second last year and the ground was in his favour this year so for me he was the one to be on, but Might bite gave him a run. Great to watch and keep watching it. I still miss the Kauto Star and Denman days though

[@midlandsballistics6345]

I remember backing this and it leading all the way my mate backed might bite and I didnt think mine would win but pulled it out the bag what a win Richard Johnson!!!

[@jrama5220]

Just got to view this race from start to finish.. What a great honest race. 1 & 2 left it all on the track. Hell of a race...

[@JAMcDonald10]

Cracking run from Native River. So strong throughout. What a Horse!

[@miltonmorris8485]

John McDonald v n

[@miltonmorris8485]

John McDonald bb

[@miltonmorris8485]

. V .. :"

[@miltonmorris8485]

24

[@f.marshall8268]

"A driven along Native River .. the others are feeling the heat now." Excellent commentary. One of the very best ever.

[@onge1981]

Bossed it!!!! Great horse. I honestly think it could win it again next year

[@lutherbuckhurst3887]

I think this was one of the greatest gold cups ever, two extremely gallant race horses, this was a version of grundy v bustino but over 3 and a quarter miles.

[@PaulThurlow-u2r]

And now he’s a dressage and showjumper ,most kindest of horses so I hear 😊

[@mickmcknight162]

Game,genuine , tough, honest-that's a gold cup hero! Well done all! YESSSS!!!

[@luisgrauer1198]

So nice to see so many of the other jockeys congratulating the winner

[@beuniquepersonaltraining1612]

People are bloody clueless calling NdB bent etc. Might Bite had to keep up with River in these conditions otherwise he'd have got completely blown away. Henderson said MB would have wanted better ground, whereas River relishes the mud. So all NdB could do was hope MB stayed better or River faulted. Great ride by both NdB and Johnson and Native River was a class above anyone else. Had a nice £50 on him too. 🏆

[@chrisfieldaselvis]

Shame both deserve to be champions....

[@andrewnelis9791]

Cracking horse

[@chriswalker4868]

I had Native River in this as I figured you need a dour stayer who can plod along and find more when needed and thats what happened, still was a fine ride from Johnson, made every yard of the running which over that trip on that ground took some doing. I must admit I was worried coming round the home turn - definitely looked like Might Bite was still cantering and was going to sluice up - one of the best Gold Cups I can remember though, 2 horses duelling out for 3 1/4 miles whilst forgetting the rest of the field were even there, brilliant

[@ianoian1]

I watched this great race and for me one of the best Gold Cups of all time. And as for Ricard, yes, for me, one of the greatest jockeys of modern times!

[@seabiscuit7116]

Al boum photo & Native river two of my favourite gold cups winners! Especially since Al boum photo won the gold Cup twice. Great horses.

[@markperryman2311]

One of the best Gold Cups? ......the field was awful, nothing in the race did anything great...

[@sirwinston3125]

the going today always suited native river.

[@heffo67]

Backed Native River, he was the only horse I really fancied this week and decided last weekend to go 'all in'. I thought Richard Johnson gave him a superb ride. He'd get 2 lengths+ up on Might Bite, ease up a tad, Might Bite would close up and Johnson would stretch again. He drew Might Bite into the type of battle suited his horse best.

[@barbaradyson6951]

I have been reading all your comments about native river and might bite, and how ndb should done this or that, but what none of you have noticed is these two horses actions, might bite action is more of a daisy cutter, where as native river has more of a mud lark action. So as the going was soft to heavy in places, it was going to suit native river, watch might bite in the rsa where the going was good to soft it suited him far better. All you lot make me smile with your knowledge of horses.

[@mcvicarross7]

Barbara - Just read your comment there & couldn't agree more (I was on Mite Bite that day) n thought NDB gave him a terrific ride despite conditions being in Native Rivers favour! You've got 2 laugh at some of the comments though!! 😂😂

[@MikePike5]

Congratulations champion!

[@peace-now]

Yes. Mite Bite was pathetic.

[@malcs0]

Furthermore, although the two are in a different era, and maybe different abilities, it reminds me a bit of the 1964 Gold Cup where Mill House and Arkle duelled. For what it was, a great race.

[@linseymowatt1736]

Reminds me a wee bit, just a wee bit of Denman. A very brave horse is Native River.

[@trackside77]

The ground found so many of the runners out. Full credit to the winner. Looking ahead to next year's renewal, Might Bite will certainly be in the mix, and I wonder about Total Recall. Seemed to be getting in to things when falling 3 out. I watched him win at Newbury last December. Distance is not a problem likes heavy going, but in contrast Newbury is fairly flat compared to Cheltenham. Roll on 2019!

[@AgrippaPetronius1903]

Magnificent

[@MANUTD4LIFE171]

It's easy to be wise after the result, but the reality of it all is Nico gave Might Bite a very good ride, he was just outstayed up the hill. Had Nico gone earlier Might Bite would have just emptied up the hill, and he may not have even got 2nd. Yeah he might have got the better of Native River on good ground, but it wasn't good ground, and Native River proved to have to much stamina at the business end.

[@AnitaPruden-yw5gn]

If I remember correctly might bite was never the same horse again reminds me of Denmark grinding his opposition into the ground wot a brave honest horse beautiful he is

[@stationofdreams1241]

I think this is about as good a Gold Cup as you would want to see. Might Bite and Native River were the first two throughout, both jumped really well throughout and gave everything. I fancied Native River to win, but I really thought Might Bite had it two out, but Native River was still able to find more when challenged to win. I think both jockeys rode really well to give their mounts the best chance possible. All in all, definitely a race to remember.

[@finness4270]

Worst Gold Cup in years. Native River and the ground turned it into a proper test and nobody apart from Might Bite even got into it. A fantastic performance from the winner but an incredibly boring Gold Cup.

[@robertowen6421]

I don't know want you would want. Considering the going it was a hell of a pace.

[@neilerm1910]

Nah, I was disappointed in this race because it was just a two horse race all the way through. Other horses were disappointing such as Killultagh Vic never in the race, Our Duke pulling up, and Definitly Red underwhelming. anibale Fly coming 3rd says it all.

[@yesezra]

Neiler M two horse race is good, shows their quality ig

[@andrewharman8712]

Finn you must of been watching a different race so.one of the best Cheltenham gold cups that I can remember in recent years

[@garbennett4758]

What a ride by R Johnson

[@dakg8034]

This is as good as any commentary goes.

[@andrewharman8712]

Lumped out on Johnson this day.even after two out you would of said native river was bet.that close to having a heart attack.lol what a performance and what a brave horse

[@gazowen7310]

I adore this horse I backed him at sandown recently and destroyed santini another talking horse

[@jfedererj]

I was there in Tattersalls enclosure right by the line that year having bet on Native River. When it veered off into the lead, I thought I was done. No horse is gonna win the gold cup from the front, least of all against Might Bite. How wrong I was. Amazing harse, great race. The fact my mate next to me had lumped on Might Bite as a last ditch attempt to save his event made it even sweeter :-)

[@normansmithers8708]

if matt chapman thinks most gold cup winners are plodders that doesn't say much for might bite, our duke, total recall and american, all of whom were outsped as well as outstayed by the brilliant front running native river. he was there to be shot at from the start but nothing was good enough to pass him. good effort by 3 miles only, might bite, though. bacchason might have gained a place if he hadn't fallen

[@martincostelloe7051]

Great horse Native River,Could win again tomorrow

[@gazowen7310]

All those that say Johnson is a poor jockey know as much about racing as I know about quantum physics

[@friendlytiger8102]

Really good finish between proven top class chasers.Shame Strong John was injured that could of made it even better.Glad for Tizzard as his Cue Card fell two years ago when looking likely winner.

[@IWTBF]

Native River ❤

[@malcs0]

A brilliant race. I don't think Might Bite ran out of stamina. I think Native River was better on the day, and benefited from the bad ground. The two horses have never met prior to this, and there was no disgrace for Might Bite. Both ran their hearts out. I would love to see a re-match next season, possibly with Sizing John in the mix too.

[@boogiestreet594]

Has to be a VERY good horse to win a group 1 like this from the front. I bet anyone who had Native River and saw hi leading from the start thought "Ah ffs... not many horses win from the front".. I'd have been pissed! Fair play to him though, no cover the whole way, getting blasted straight up with that wind is no easy task

[@andrewharman8712]

Grade one!group one's are races on the flat not in national hunt racing

[@Heckster96]

National horse in the future

[@gazowen7310]

Hell yes

[@MrBazH]

New to racing and apologies if this sounds like a dumb question, but I thought the commentary on this race was superb. Probably the best I've heard since the late, great Peter O'Sullevan. Anyone know who the voice belongs to? Thanks.

[@samsonpug]

I felt bad when I lost my last £50 on Might Bite. Not as bad as Patrick Foster did as he put 50k on the damned thing. His book is excellent.

[@gerardconway6741]

If the ground had of been a little drier might bite would have beat him, was might bites best run in my opinion

[@emadalyahmed]

Tough as they come.

[@erikwhitebeard79]

what a ride by Dickie.if that was McCoy they be calling it one of the best of all time.

[@scharles7137]

What a great race two great horses going for it and two very brave jockeys going from the front. Some horse Native river is. Also won a Welsh national 4mile odd.....and aintree 2m 5f? Still young. Will win 2019 running from the front again.main danger Might Bite.1--2 again.wow this staying division looks exciting.so does the champion hurdle division expecially with boudoir d'air Frodon for the Ryan air. Altior looks nailed on for Queen Mother. GET ON ££ €€ $$ Can't wait for boxing day. And Cheltenham. I LOVE THE JUMPS RACES AND THE BRAVE ATHLETIC HORSES..

[@AtrrukHead]

I hope he equals best mate and retains his throne as king of the chasing stayers

[@comesahorseman]

Two tired but brave horses, there. Hope they both came back OK.

[@utllindsayyt6849]

Native river will win again this year

[@chantelleobrien7019]

Hope so

[@johncanmoveya]

2020. He Missed the up in 2019 but still ran well.

[@normansmithers8708]

native river should have been favourite for the race after his win in the denman chase. he would have won the previous year if he hadn't had such a hard campaign, while cue card would also have won the year before that but for falling. cue card shouldn't have run at cheltenham after his hard race at ascot, he'd already won the ryanair previously, but gone straight to aintree where the going will also be better. before his owners retire him, they should remember that raz de maree is 13 as was tidal bay before he retired.

[@TheBuchanskii]

I backed Our Duke on the basis that he readily beat Presenting Percy giving weight... but credit where it's due the front two put the rest of the field to the sword. Might Bite over 3 miles on a flat track will be difficult to beat.

[@boogiestreet594]

Anyone else hate how Racing UK put the winner in the title?

[@Heckster96]

Might bite reminded me there of lami serge in the long walk, found nothing off the bridal

[@topbizniz]

Backed Might Bite but dont mind losing to that. I dont even know who was third. I dont recall any other horse at any point having a real chance. I dunno if im seeing too much into things but halfway home after the last when Native River has won the race, does he swish his tail about 5 strides from the line? Johnsons only hands and heels at that point so seemed like the horse wanted to say something to the losers.

[@kalistalev]

The last 50 yards Might Bite really emptied. I wonder if either horse will be the same again. Anibale Fly hit a flat spot after 2 out but finished 2 to 1 compared to the leaders after the last. The rest had all reached breaking point by 2 out.

[@old65rocker]

Wow how true that could be as far as Might Bite goes

[@edwardclarke470]

best mate best ever gold cup winner.3 times

[@davidkent8606]

You're forgetting Arkle, not only best Gold Cup winner, but best chaser of all time.

[@gazowen7310]

Beat 3 handicappers

[@IsRight]

Get the ale in .....nice one dickie lad

[@WhynotTaylor]

Would have won last year with a more positive ride? Showed what he could do today.

[@DavidSmith-op8ix]

L7Kraken correct.

[@davidkent8606]

Native River for me again this year. If Presenting Percy is waited with, like in the RSA, it'll be too late, and he won't catch this dour stayer, who has a turn of foot even at the end at a 3 mile plus race.

[@dannywright9942]

I really hope so too David, just need more rain, as much as possible, I really believe he can make it 2 gold cups, no changing tactics, make all, be brave, and really stretch them out, outstay em up the hill.!!!! 🤞🤞🤞

[@danielwinder1326]

Won a 25 quid double sporting press and native river got me 430

[@slenjamiah]

daniel winder shame you are just going to give it all back plus more

[@slenjamiah]

daniel winder you need to accept that you are a gambling addict

[@danielwinder1326]

I withdrew 400 quid damn right. I won 1500 quid the past weekend on football. It's my money I can do what I want with it.

[@rooster954]

Please post when you lose a bet!

[@slenjamiah]

daniel winder you are a gambling addict

[@boogiestreet594]

Why is this racing more popular than actual world class speed racing?

[@mag7darts]

Think a lot of it is to do with the fact the best horses stay in training for years instead of been sent to stud after 2 years these horses stay in training for around 6-8 years so the public get to see champions year after year and also there is a real feeling for a horse to carry 12st up to 4 miles as opposed to 9st for 1 mile,there is other reasons but those are just two of them.I personally like both but the NH season is much better than the flat season

[@boogiestreet594]

yeah you might be right there actually sheff. although some of the flat trainers have been keeping their 3 year olds into their 4 and 5 year old seasons, i presume it's just because they have sire'd and dams of the same bloodline? and you only really see it in say.. O'Brien's horses when he thinks they'll stay up to a mile 6 for the leger etc? It seems like such a waste to see incredible record breaking horses like Galileo High Chaparral only having maybe 10 races and then shipped off in a box with a bow on it somewhere else in the world to literally become a sperm machine for the rest of their lives... Like imagine if Frankel had been kept on for his 5 and 6 year old seasons what we might have seen. it's ridiculous, 14 runs, 14 wins, then off to a field with him, are you into flat racing yourself? As i've noticed the large majority of these amazing horses in the longer races aren't particularly well bred, certainly not costing hundreds of thousands or millions to buy! That's one of the biggest misunderstandings with the general public with the Grand National, they all think those horses are the best staying horses in the world etc, when the race is actually only a Group 3 isn't it? And most trainers or owners don't risk their prize horses in it as far as i can tell due to the mortality rate in it

[@mag7darts]

Yes I also enjoy flat racing too and keep a keen eye on events all over the world on the flat.The breeding is more about stamina than speed for these horses but you do get high class breeding sometimes as Old Vic the irish Derby winner has a good record for NH horses as opposed to flat.Yes the Grand National is only a Grade 3 handicap but it is the countries most famous race and it stops a nation it does,The Cheltenham gold cup is the most important race of the jumps calendar but the Grand National is the one everyone wants to win.40 runners over 4 and half mile 30 fences and only a few ever win it more than once,I suppose every racing country has there own race which isn't the best horses but stops a nation so to speak

[@James-b7p2k]

He wins it again this year

[@jimmybucketsm8419]

Might bite would never get past native river in a battle, which you need in a gold cup weak mind

[@JimBob-xm9yi]

End of the day cut out the excuses native river won and no other horse deserved it more congratulations

[@jessicapedley4082]

Congrats Native River :)

[@b16lkr40]

Why anyone is calling Nico I have no idea when these pair jump the last together a stout stayer will always win in these conditions

[@shkyboi21]

Had 20 on native and 10 e/w on Abigail. What a race !!

[@timcomley3241]

Tony - not a good idea kicking on with stamina doubts 😊

[@WillBoa69]

Ive just seen this clip again Richard Johnson was panicking 3 furlongs out ... that tells me if this was good ground .. Might Bite would have stormed past Native River with Nico motionless ... even two fences out .. Richad Johnson was panicking again and whipping / caning Native River ... the mud ground just got the better of Might Bite and tired out at the end .. but for a ground that was absolutkly ideal for Native River .. I think Might Bite did bloody well considerig .... come KIng George this christmas time and good ground .. Might Bite would just piss on Native River - all day long !!!!!!!!

[@edwardclarke470]

boinviile should took it after 3rd last

[@jamesramejkis1868]

Presenting percy

[@jamesramejkis1868]

Bieual beats

[@sirwinston3125]

I had £50 each way on both. native river was outstanding.

[@slaneysider106]

Well done , nothing wrong with that you didn't lose a whole lot on might bite . You should of done a 50 reverse f/c also

[@sirwinston3125]

+slaneysider I know pal. but hindsight is a wonderful thing. lost out on apples Shakira and chef des obeaux in the earlier races.

[@keithwellerlounge74]

Where is Simon Holt these days?

[@gazowen7310]

That's what I want to know

[@leebradley1288]

Native River outstayed Mite Bite in the conditions, didn’t see much wrong with Nico waiting until the last to shake mite bite up, but then I didn’t lose money backing him, which the haters probably did

[@shane-irish]

He was offside

[@litogor]

Irish horse but from the stallion Indian River ..... still the French breeding ...

[@grahamfuray2106]

Tell me a better performance?? You can't..

[@muhammadarshadarshad3998]

Nis

[@edwardclarke470]

boniville jerry McGrath both bent jockeys

[@gerrymcguire7382]

Edward Clarke shut up you silly arse

[@paulwilliams9535]

Better ground and Might Bite could well have prevailed.

[@MegaMusicman34]

Only the 6 horses died this year over 1 a day not a bad return on pure greed

[@normansmithers8708]

tories are hoping their measures against russia might bite, 2 nick them an advantage, but tiz tzard seeing vlad being that worried even if johnson threatens them and tries to sell corbyn, a fellow native briton, up the river. be careful when eating chocolate, especially if its de bourneville or nervo chok. (thornton's)

[@cmcg3738]

Gutted for the runner up - on good ground he'd have won by 10 lengths.

[@richardtuson605]

Know how you feel but the Good Cup in March is not likely to be good ground. You may as well who would win over 1 mile. Still some of the greats like Kauto Star was better in at least middling ground as mud evens out speed. Frankel still won on far from his ideal surface though. Horses for Courses. Your horse made it a great race and still run well. It's the Olympics for horses the best of the best

[@cmcg3738]

The Gold Cup is usually run on ground with the word good in the going description.

[@richardtuson605]

The gold cup is usually run with the word soft in the ground description! Actually I don't know where do you find proper stats for something like this without checking each individual year. Wiki used to at least give time but switched to just showing the colours.

[@richardtuson605]

Its not like the ground was heavy. Horse could hardly be surprised by soft ground on any course in March.

[@richardtuson605]

And Mighty Bite won on soft at Kempton G1 could just as likely be the hill that did him although obviously didn't ground adds on top of that.

[@johnbell1978]

Might bite has more ways to lose a race than any horse before him, very ungenuine

[@normansmithers8708]

the coulda woulda shoulda brigade inevitably moaned about a no excuse win by the classiest horse in the race, native river, who would still have won even if the race was run over 3 miles in good going, because he would have raced more quickly and has better acceleration at the finish of a race. nico de boinville used the whip 4 times on the run in but realised might bite had no more to give. personally, i believe the whip should not be allowed, but regardless, native river & richard johnson would still have won. a game effort by a gutsy trier in might bite but he was just outclassed in the end by 4 lengths + by the classy magnificent front runner, native river.

[@kevinsoutar9557]

disappointing race the 1st and 2nd led from pillar to post and the 2nd should have kicked for home coming round the bend as they usually do and he could maybe have held on.

[@silverkitty2503]

is it just me or did this race seem really slow? maybe its the bigger jumps..its such a horrible position to jump in as a jockey ..its so far forward already ....they don't even need to fold they are already there if anything goes wrong on approach they are like over the horses head i don't know how on earth these guys hold on. I think jumping as a jockey would be a nightmare.

[@swansgills8884]

nico de bonville is second rate jockey and today was a typical poor rider on a decent horse. johnson 2 lengths better jockey everyday than nico.

[@edwardclarke470]

well said. people don't like the truth

[@mikepilling3678]

De bollox face should have let him go 2 out

[@johnobrien8398]

Racing uk are ruining racing they want exclusive coverage they can have it then no one will be watching I hope they enjoy their fucking channel because it's fucking shit for racing and this gold cup was shit to wanker of a horse

[@Bassic1234]

This is only the second time I’ve watched this race and my opinion is the same terrible ride from nico on mite bight only twice in the race he pushed him in the bridle and only twice he ask him to jump a fence the fifth last and last not once did he try to put native rivers jumping under pressure he could and should have won I mean every body knows how strong Richard is in a finish but the idiot fake jockey nico de bornville didn’t once use mite bights strenghs which is his gears Davy Russell would have won on him or ruby

[@mcvicarross7]

Dj IN-EDIT .... Read your comment & couldn't help replying ... horse's don't have 'gears!!' & MB jumped like a stag that day as did NR, in fact I don't think either horse made a jumping error in the entire race ... IN A GOLD CUP ON SOFT/HEAVY GROUND FFS...!!! Here's some food 4 thought ... in the horse/jockey partnership the jockey's influence amounts 2 approximately 2% which should help anyone that's not in need of a 'Support Worker' understand that the horse itself is actually the one that's running the race!! N btw that's not 2 take anything away from the jockey's themselves who are fearless in a very dangerous sport (the talented jockey's r able 2 put a horse at ease/have a gd head 4 timing/don't panic & more often than not are able 2 anticipate & make split second decisions (in terms of direction of their partner!!) 😂😂

[@Bassic1234]

@@mcvicarross7 hi Ross of course horses have gears and every knows might bite had an exceptional cruising speed ie gear I like having debates so thank you but I stick by what I said might bites cruising speed is superior to native rivers research it. But imo nico thought he had the better horse and could beat him in any outcome and if native didn’t have Richard on board he would have done . But nico should have used mb cruising speed more to make native make mistakes instead of letting him have his own way that in the end played to his strength

[@T.Hxrris]

Posh snobs

[@timponsford5498]

Nasty little chav

[@T.Hxrris]

Tim Ponsford No, just not posh. Something called WORKING CLASS. Heard of it?

[@edwardclarke470]

pathetic ride by deboinville

[@keithallen2979]

grow up

[@EnjoytheQ.]

He got beat by the better horse, more honest straight forward as they come, and not to forget better looking

[@dominicspiller481]

Nico gave Might Bite a great ride, he knew he needed to be up with the pace on the ground because Native River has much more stamina. On different ground he would win, he has more speed but today was Native Rivers day.

[@b16lkr40]

Definitely talking out your pocket there!

[@dominicspiller481]

Definitely. Needs to grow up.

[@tonymcgrath700]

That extra 2 furlongs and the ground beat Might Bite, plus De Boinville should have gone sooner and given his horse at least 2 lengths advantage before his stamina began to run out, all credit to the winner who had more stamina than the favourite but 3 miles on good going it would have been a very different result

[@dennispage3641]

tony mcgrath Great summary, brilliant ride from Richard Johnson I thought. What stamina is needed in that ground and on this track, pace judgement had to be spot on.

[@Coldnewton]

He was just outstayed on a track that probably doesn't play to his strengths.Snapped up some of the 5-1 for Might BIte for King George.If all goes to plan i'd make him a 1/1 shot on day. Think this horse is potentially one of the best we will ever see.

[@dennispage3641]

stevebenbob Agreed he is a monster!

[@chrisfieldaselvis]

Good comments totally agree...

[@seanscanlon9067]

+tony mcgrath - Whilst I get your point about Nico kicking on when Might Bite was going so well, I think he would have needed to go at least half a dozen lengths clear (and maybe even more) to have had enough of a buffer to hold on when stamina became an issue for both horses.

[@edwardclarke470]

pathetic ride by deboinville

[@pinkarey_]

what you talking about? native river outstayed might bite up the hill, nothing wrong with the ride

[@edwardclarke470]

did not outstay him

[@chrissimmins4171]

A race to savour but I'm still sure had it not been a bog Might Bite would have prevailed all very brave horses

[@richardtuson605]

Pity you ruined it by showing half the race yesterday. Here is another tip don't put the winner in the title. Not everyone knows how won it and all sport is pointless when you know the winner. I managed to not read the title yesterday but you still fecked up any enjoyment by cutting the race at the vitke point. I could watch it on ITV or a bookies for free but was in a meeting. What service are you actually providing? Only betting addicts watch every donkey race going, the main races see covered for free in bookies. You are just using another channels footage and professionals leave it to them

[@normansmithers8708]

the greatest gold cup i've seen; this was jump's version of flat racing's 'bustino/grundy epic battle. i have watched racing since 1963 & this was a proper race which really only involved 2 horses from start till the finish, which has not been seen before. class saw native river home, not 'sloggability': if the going had been less testing, native river would have gone faster, also, i doubt if the gold cup will be shortened next year to help might bite get the trip. there were no excuses for the rest of the outclassed field, good horses though they are. 2 very brave, classy horses, one of national hunt's greatest races ever.

[@normansmithers8708]

thanks for your comment. yes, there were exciting finishes, your examples for instance, also desert orchid & dawn run's years, but there has never been such a protracted battle from start to finish between 2 horses who finished 1st & 2nd at the finish. i'm also biased, i like native river but my favourite is cue card who would have won in 2016 but for falling, (in my opinion). good to chat, all the best. ps, onto aintree & punchestown.

[@normansmithers8708]

thanks for your interest, i've watched all the greats, arkle, desert orchid, dawn run, l'escargot & the dickinson 5, but for pure 'attention focusing' on just 2 horses throughout a gold cup race, this beats them all. is native river one of the greats, can might bite win the next 3 gold cups? it's irrelevant, as we are talking about the spectacle that this race turned out to be. as i've said before, native river did not get the credit his front running deserved. if the winner of the champion chase had led from start to finish, we'd be talking about a 2 mile speed machine, well, native river was a 3 mile speed machine. ps, if things had gone right for colin tizzard, he might have won the last 3 gold cups.

[@davidbates9103]

Was only a race if you had backed either of the first two, luckily I did.

[@johnstreet8240]

One for the English.