'Absolute legend' Native River retired after Welsh Grand National no-show

Native River has been retired following his disappointing run in the Coral Welsh Grand National on Monday – being hailed as an "absolute legend" by assistant trainer Joe Tizzard.

The 11-year-old failed to complete for the first time since January 2015, being pulled up under 11st 12lb, and his retirement was confirmed late on Monday evening.

He developed into one of jump racing's most popular horses for trainer Colin Tizzard, winning 14 times from 32 starts including memorably defeating Might Bite in a thrilling 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Other successes included victory in the 2016 Hennessy Gold Cup and Welsh National, three wins in the Denman Chase and a memorable triumph in the Cotswold Chase last season at Sandown.

From the archives:

River and Johnson dig deep to claim famous Gold Cup triumph for Tizzard

Joe Tizzard said: "After speaking with his owners Garth and Anne Broom we have taken the decision to retire Native River.

"He's been an absolute legend for us all. His wins in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, the Hennessy and the Coral Welsh Grand National were all massive, memorable days for Garth and Anne and the whole team.

"He's a lovely character, and has been a special horse to train. He will now enjoy a happy and well deserved retirement."

He brought a new level of fame to owners Garth and Anne Broom who go under the name Brocade Racing. They describe his rise to the top as an "unbelievable journey".

Connections of Native River after his success in the 2018 Cheltenham Gold CupCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Garth Broom reflected: "He doesn't owe us anything at all. He wasn't really enjoying himself so we thought it's time to draw stumps.

"He gave us countless good days. I loved the season he won the Hennessy, the Welsh National and the Denman like bang, bang, bang but obviously the Gold Cup is the absolute highlight.

"He's just been absolutely remarkable, it's been an unbelievable journey. We don't want to see him struggling so we thought this was the best thing to do.

"He was a proper pet to us but when he was on the racecourse he had a core of steel. His jumping was the outstanding thing but in his last few races it wasn't as good as it had been. We feel this is the right time now he's pulled up and finished in one piece.

"He'll go back to Tom Malone, who bought him for us. He only lives down the road from us."

Fans' Favourites on Native River: the big friendly giant with a heart of a lion and an eye for the limelight

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