Emperor conquers in National Hunt Chase
Native Emperor came from a long way off the pace to wear down Celestial Gold to win 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.
