'They'll have to go some to beat Native River' - Johnson fires Gold Cup warning

As Richard Johnson prepared to ride at his 26th Cheltenham Festival, he warned that Native River has "a huge chance" in the Gold Cup next Friday.

The four-time champion jockey is full of hope the 2018 winner can recapture his crown in a race he also won himself on board Looks Like Trouble back in 2000.

After last month's victory in the Cotswold Chase at Sandown, he believes the 11-year-old will certainly improve on his last crack at the race, when fourth behind Al Boum Photo two years ago.

WellChild Cheltenham Gold Cup card and betting

"That really gave me the confidence that he can go to the Gold Cup with every chance," Johnson said. "He won the Gold Cup and it was a fantastic day, but the following season he definitely didn't quite show his true form. He was nine lengths behind Al Boum Photo and he definitely didn't feel himself that day so I don't think there's a huge gap to bridge.

"As long as the ground's on the slower side, I think he goes there with a huge chance. I wouldn't swap him for another one. Al Boum Photo is the one to beat and we don't quite know how good Champ is, but they'll have to put a good performance in to beat Native River."

The Colin Tizzard-trained Native River, who was landing a 14th career win in the Cotswold, is a best-priced 16-1 for the Gold Cup.

Native River (left) got the better of Might Bite to win the Gold Cup in 2018Credit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"I'd be disappointed if Native River is not bang in with every chance," Johnson added, in a conference call hosted by Great British Racing. "He showed at Sandown he hadn't lost any of his enthusiasm. The Tizzards have done a huge job training him."

Johnson is also full of hope that he can win a second Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle, 22 years after breaking his festival duck in the race on Anzum.

He believes that Thyme Hill can turn the tables on his Long Walk Hurdle conqueror Paisley Park, and said: "He jumped and travelled really sweetly through the race and for a horse that hasn't had that much experience he's really matured this year. That's what gives me confidence going to Cheltenham that hopefully we can have a change of result.

Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle card and betting

"His two runs this year have been fantastic and it was always the plan to go straight from Ascot to Cheltenham. I think the slightly better ground might just help us a little bit and he's only had six runs over hurdles so I think and hope he's still improving.

"When you're going to the festival, horses like Thyme Hill are the ones you want to be going there to ride and I can see him winning the Stayers' Hurdle."

Thyme Hill on his way to victory in the Long Distance Hurdle at NewburyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Thoughts of what Thyme Hill could do over fences in years to come are among the reasons that Johnson, 43, shrugged off a question about how long he can keep returning to the festival as a jockey.

"I've never really had a weight problem, I'm loving what I do and there's lots to look forward to," he said.

"If Thyme Hill goes over fences next year he could be in the Gold Cup in two years' time so there are always lots of horses you're thinking about what they're going to do in the future."

Latest Cheltenham news:

Chacun Pour Soi and Altior on course for Champion Chase after confirmations

Paul Nicholls: I'm convinced Frodon has a chance in Cheltenham Gold Cup

Champion Hurdle third Darver Star 50-50 to return to Cheltenham next week

Cheltenham Festival fancy Galvin moves to Ian Ferguson from Gordon Elliott yard

Cheltenham Festival 2021: essential information for jump racing's biggest week

Should punters side with the Willie Mullins favourite in the Supreme or not?

The must-watch race each day of the Cheltenham Festival

Join Members' Club Ultimate and read tipping from the likes of Pricewise and Paul Kealy, all the big interviews and features, daily comment and news analysis – plus our Ultimate Daily newsletter. Click here to sign up.