Tizzard sets sights on Aintree

Joe Tizzard has confirmed Native River will be heading to Aintree for the Betway Bowl Chase a week Thursday.

The 11-year-old was last seen at the Cheltenham Festival when trying to regain his Gold Cup crown, having won the showpiece race in 2018, but he came up short and finished fourth earlier this month.

Next up is the Aintree Festival and Native River will be looking for redemption in the Betway Bowl on Thursday week.

Tizzard, who insists his Native River will continue to compete next season despite his advancing years, admits conditions will play a big part in their final decision but feels a trip to Aintree is on the cards.

“Native River came out of the Gold Cup fine. He knew he’d had a race, but he’s fine now and in full work,” Tizzard said.

“The plan is to take him to Aintree for the Bowl, as long as the ground is all right, which I’m sure it will be.

“There’s not a lot of other options for him – he’s not going to go to Punchestown. It will be Aintree and that will be it for the season.”