10-year-old Native River has been ruled out of the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Grand National due to a tendon injury. The Colin Tizzard runner won the Cheltenham Festival feature two years ago and was aiming to become the first horse since Kauto Star back in 2009 to retain his crown in the race, however a suspensory tendon injury has ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Native River was also going to be aimed at the 2020 Randox Health Grand National with connections awaiting the outcome of his performance in the Gold Cup. Unfortunately despite looking good this season with wins in the Denman Chase at Newbury and the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree, he won’t be given the opportunity to grab more glory until next season.
Trainer Colin Tizzard’s son, Joe Tizzard, said: “Unfortunately we’ve had to scratch Native River from the Gold Cup this morning – he’s picked up a suspensory tendon injury, which means his season is over.”
Native River had been priced at 10/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup and 20/1 for the Randox Health Grand National prior to his withdrawal from both races.
