Sizing John wins Cheltenham Gold Cup in thrilling race
Glory for Sizing John as he sees off Djakadam and Native River to scoop top prize
SIZING JOHN stormed to victory in the Cheltenham Gold Cup as Robbie Power rode the horse to a thrilling win.
Ruby Walsh looked in prime position to take the honours as he entered the straight leading on favourite Djakadam.
But the horse clattered into the penultimate fence, and Sizing John steamed past to stay up the Cheltenham hill to win at 7-1.
Trainer Jessica Harrington said: "That was absolutely amazing, the way he jumped and travelled.
"That was absolutely fantastic. This was unreal, unreal.
"It's thanks to Robert, he was the one who said at Christmas he will stay
One of the big dangers Native River led out the field for most of the distance, providing a stern test of speed and fitness.
Jockey Richard Johnson knew his mount was a stayer but he was hoping to take the sting out of the finish of his rivals as he upped the speed with three fences left.
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Djakadam took the lead around the final turn and Walsh had hardly taken him off the bridle as the field turned into the run for home.
But under pressure from Native River and the improving Sizing John, the Willie Mullins horse smashed into the penultimate hurdle knocking his rhythm completely.
It was all the invitation Grand National winning jockey Power needed to send his mount clear over the last and it breezed home by three lengths with the fast finishing Minella Rocco just pipping Native River to second.
Lizzie Kelly had gone into the race as the first female jockey since 1984 hoping to spring an upset on much fancied outsider Tea For Two.
But the horse looked nervous at the start and unseated Kelly after only two fences to the dismay of the jockey who was left punching the ground in frustration.
