Native Emperor came from a long way off the pace to wear down Celestial Gold in
the closing stages of the four-mile National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup for
amateur riders.
Celestial Gold looked to have the race sewn up when sent into the lead on the
run down the hill to the third-last fence by Ashley Farrant.
He pulled at least 10 lengths clear at one stage, but Native Emperor began to
make relentless progress on the outside.
Five lengths down at the final fence, the 5-1 joint-favourite gained the upper
hand on the run-in to win by a length and three-quarters from 33-1 shot
Celestial Gold.
Drombeag (8-1) was a further six lengths back in third. Both first and third
are trained by Jonjo O'Neill.
There was drama on the final circuit when Boy's Hurrah crashed into the running
rail and almost ran out.
His rider Philip York managed to stay aboard, but they lost all chance after
that.
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