Cheltenham Gold Cup report: Sizing John the hero

3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup result

1st Sizing John 7/1

2nd Minella Rocco 18/1

3rd Native River 7/2

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Race Report

Sizing John gave Jessica Harrington a winner with her first runner in the Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup, producing an authoritative display under Robbie Power.

The seven-year-old was always travelling powerfully as the well-backed Native River tried to break his rivals from the front.

However the eventual third was fighting a losing battle from the turn for home as both the winner and Djakadam, under a motionless Ruby Walsh, swept past.

The latter, second in the last two renewals of the race, was unable to sustain his effort though after a blunder two out and faded into fourth as Sizing John roared up the hill to win by two-and-a-half lengths.

Minella Rocco thundered home for second and was slashed to 14/1 from 33s by Sky Bet for the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree next month.

For the second succesive season Cue Card fell at the third last fence but in contrast to 12 months ago looked to be struggling at the time.

Reaction

Jessica Harrington  " "I can't believe it, it was amazing how he jumped and travelled. Robert said he wasn't going to go down the inside, but he did. It's absolutely fantastic, my first runner in a Gold Cup.

"He was running over two miles, but it was Robert who said he would stay and he did. Thanks to everyone at home, it's all down to the team. I can't believe it, I've got to get a Classic now (on the Flat)!"

"I've never had a runner in the race before so to train the winner - I don't know when I'll come down to earth. You can tell Robert did showjumping in his youth because I don't think he missed a beat the whole way.

"I was thinking it was all going a bit too easy. I was glad that on the first circuit he put a few short ones in and he wasn't winging fences.

"When he pulled him out on the second circuit, he began jumping well. Just at the top of the hill I saw Robert give him a squeeze and he flew. This is the jewel in the crown, I've been watching and listening for as long as I can remember.

"He's only seven so I've got to keep him right and mind him. I've no idea what he'll do next, all I was thinking about was this race."

Robbie Power: "Unbelievable, Jessica Harrington is a genius. I always said when this horse stepped up in trip he'd win. Everyone has done a top-class job, it means more than any winner I've ridden for Jessica.

"I was only 25 when I won the National and I'm 35 now. When you're 25 you think you can win everything, so this is very special.

"Going to the second-last, even before Djakadam's mistake, I actually thought I had Ruby covered.

"Down to the last he absolutely pinged it and then it was just a case of seeing it out, it's what every jockey dreams of and I never thought I would until we got this lad.

"I had a bad injury before Christmas and I rushed back to ride him in the Irish Gold Cup. I did everything I could to get back, I wasn't letting Davy Russell on him!"

Alan Potts (owner Sizing John): "It's unreal, it's my dream and it's come true. It's our first runner in the race, the jockey's first ride and Jessie's first runner."

Jonjo O'Neill (trainer Minella Rocco):  "It was his first proper run of the season, he has no miles on the clock and he'll improve a ton on that. I'm thrilled, he had a great spin round and finished as strongly as anything. He will definitely run again this season, but first let's get him home and see how he is."

"Noel (Fehily) gave him a great spin and he stayed on well up the hill - he probably wanted a little bit further - I get [couldn't pick up] the winning post and run any further but I would've if I could!

"The winner won well and we were a good second so I am thrilled to bits with him. We will think about his future plans later."

Noel Fehily (jockey Minella Rocco):  "He ran really well. I was flat out all the way but he stayed on well up the hill."  

Colin Tizzard (trainer of Native River, and Cue Card): "He (Native River) has run his heart out and has done absolutely nothing wrong. He stayed right to the line. There were just a couple better, one staying on and one to fast for him. 

"I saw Cue Card gallop back."

Richard Johnson (jockey Native River:) "He ran really well. I have no excuses and we were just beaten on the day." 

Rich Ricci (owner Djakadam): "It didn't look like he stayed. It is heart-breaking but no excuses. He wouldn't have beaten the winner. 

"Gee, how good is Douvan. It was a great run from Jessie Harrington's horse (Sizing John) and a great result for her. It has been that kind of a season but we will be back."

Willie Mullins (trainer Djakadam): "I don't think we have any excuses. He jumped well and galloped well. What more can I say - it just wasn't our day. A great day for Jessie."