Cheltenham Festival: Native River powers to thrilling Gold Cup glory

4-1 favourite Might Bite was looking to become the first horse since Long Run to claim the two most prestigious chases in the UK in the same season, after his victory in Boxing Day's King George VI Chase, but just came up short in finishing second despite Nico De Boinville's best efforts in the saddle .

Native River had finished second last year, but held off Nicky Henderson's Might Bite in a fascinating joust up the hill to complete momentous day for trainer Colin Tizzard, who celebrated a first Gold Cup success.

It was Johnson's second Gold Cup victory after winning it 18 years ago on Looks Like Trouble.

"I'm speechless. He's been a fantastic horse for me and I was lucky to pick up the ride on him," said Johnson.

"I was getting squeezed, but at the second-last and the last he just wanted it so much."

33-1 shot Anibale Fly finished third.

Last year's winner Sizing John was absent after suffering a fractured pelvis. It was the third year in a row the champion has missed the race after Coneygree and Don Cossack did not defend their crowns