Joe Tizzard on Native River’s injury and Saturday’s runners at Kempton

The latest insight from the Tizzard stables

Native River’s injury

It was really disappointing for Native River to pick up an injury which will keep him out for the season and rule him out of Cheltenham. It was particularly frustrating for the owners, but he has been a fantastic horse for them and us over the years and this little blip is just one of those things.

It’s only a small tear and horses pick up these kinds of injuries all the time, especially around big races when they are putting in such huge efforts. We are confident that he will be back next season in great shape again.

It’s part and parcel of the sport unfortunately and it’s happened before and will happen again. We just need to move on and carry on preparing the rest of our runners for Cheltenham.

Saturday’s runners

15.35 Kempton – Mister Malarky

Mister Malarky ran well in the Ladbrokes Trophy but has been disappointing either side of that race. He has schooled nicely since his last run though and is in as good form at home as he’s ever been.

He should have a good each way chance here.

16.45 Kempton – Skerries Harbour

Skerries Harbour looks a really nice bumper horse and has been working very well at home with a horse that finished fourth recently, Seymour Promise, also at Kempton so that bodes well.

If he runs to his potential it will be really exciting to see and he has a good chance here.

Joe