The 2018 renewal of the Cheltenham Gold Cup was billed as a duel between Might Bite, who was sent off 4/1 favourite after winning the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day, and Native River at 5/1. For once, the anticipated head-to-head materialised, with two of the market leaders dominating proceedings from flag-fall and their rivals unable to land a telling blow.
Native River, ridden by Richard Johnson, made virtually all the running, but was closely attended by Might Bite, ridden by Nico De Boinville, for most of the extended three-and-a-quarter mile journey. Indeed, Might Bite even took a narrow advantage between the last two fences, but was soon rejoined by Native River, who ultimately outstayed his rival in the closing stages to win by 4½ lengths. Might Bite finished clear second, 4 lengths ahead of third-placed Anibale Fly, who finished well, but never really threatened the front pair.
Our Duke, who was supported into 9/2 second favourite at the ‘off’, was never travelling after a couple of mid-race mistakes and was eventually pulled up at the fourth last. Of the other ‘fancied’ horses, Road To Respect finished fourth, beaten 12½ lengths, Definitly Red finished sixth, beaten 38½ lengths, and Killultagh Vic was tailed off when pulled up between the last two fences.
Native River, who had finished third in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2017, after winning the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow, was a first winner of the ‘Blue Riband’ event for Somerset dairy farmer-turned-trainer Colin Tizzard and a second for Richard Johnson, after Looks Like Trouble 18 years previously. Reflecting on his triumph, Tizzard said, “It’s unreal. The Cheltenham Gold Cup is everything in everyone’s life and there’s no pretending it’s not.” He added, “I can’t believe it. It doesn’t get better, does it?”