WHILE Native River may still sit in the shadows of his more illustrious stablemates Cue Card and Thistlecrack, that may not be the case for much longer after giving his progressive profile a significant boost with victory in the Betfred Mildmay Novices' Chase.

In a season in which his exploits have been largely overlooked in light of the achievements of trainer Colin Tizzard's two current stable stars, the six-year-old served notice he is a rising force when making all for a first Grade One success.

With no question marks surrounding his stamina jockey, Richard Johnson wasted no time in getting the 11-2 shot to the head of the field and into a position he was to hold throughout the race.

Although looking a sitting duck approaching three out with Un Temps Pour Tout, Blaklion, Ballyalton and Henri Parry Morgan still all cruising, their runs were to come to nothing.

Finding an extra gear between the final two fences Native River produced the good jump needed to seal victory at the last, before holding Henri Parry Morgan at bay by three lengths.

Tizzard said: "It was a fantastic ride by Richard Johnson. He got on the horse whose main aptitude is staying, so he made it hard work for them in behind.

"This ground was right up his street. He's not very fast, but he is a dour stayer.

"At the beginning of last season he'd only run in one point-to-point. So we ran him in one bumper, then four or five hurdles and went chasing this year. He has climbed a mountain and this is the best he has ever run."

Looking to plans, Tizzard said: "Next year he's going to either have to run in good handicaps off a high weight or take on Cue Card, I can't really believe I'm saying that.

"We thought he would be quite high in handicaps off 149, so that's why have kept him going and he could go to Punchestown.

"We've had a great season - I've only got 58 horses but it's getting quite addictive winning these big races.

"Next year he is going to end up in the big handicaps or taking on Cue Card and Thistlecrack - I can't believe I am saying that but it's lovely.

"It's quite addictive having these big winners. Cue Card has lasted six years and no one can take what he has done away from us. This horse is just starting off and let's hope we can keep him together for six years."