Native River, the 2018 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, was the outright winner of the SEIB Insurance Brokers Racehorse to Riding Horse qualifier at Defender Burghley on September 8.

Owned by Taunton-based bloodstock agent Tom Malone, the horse, with rider Jazmin Hosgood, has now qualified for the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse championship.

The pair impressed in the main arena on the final day of the Defender Burghley Horse Trials, standing out amongst a class of 20 ex-racehorses.

Ride judge Michaela Bowling said: "Our winner went amazingly, he was like an out-and-out show horse to ride."

Conformation judge Stuart Campbell added: "It was the presentation, movement, balance, rhythm, and self-carriage of the winner that set him apart.

"It is wonderful to see ex-racehorses becoming truly multi-purpose horses."

(Image: Trevor Meeks)

Owner Tom Malone was full of praise for Native River's performance.

He said: "I'm as proud as I could be of this horse, I get more pleasure than I can tell you out of this success.

"We set out with this as our goal and he's gone and done it."

Rider Jazmin Hosgood continued: "It was a big atmosphere today and he was just amazing.

"We went to Moreton show yesterday and won too."

Native River, who won more than £1 million in prize money during his racing days, was trained by Colin Tizzard in Somerset before retiring to Tom Malone's yard nearby.

He was ridden by champion jockey Richard Johnson in many of his races.

The 14-year-old gelding has now shown his versatility by excelling in the show ring.

Taking second place and the remaining qualifying spot were Tori Thomas and her horse, Wonga Swinger.

Her husband, former Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey and trainer of Wonga Swinger, Sam Thomas, said: "Wonga Swinger wasn't very successful for me, Tori has absolutely transformed him, the way she has turned him around since he finished racing is amazing."

(Image: Trevor Meeks)

SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse organiser, Nicolina MacKenzie, said: "Wow, what a winner to have at our final qualifier of the season.

"The class today went off brilliantly and we were delighted to see so many stunning thoroughbreds and their riders out enjoying themselves."

The SEIB Racehorse to Riding Horse class has been held in the main Defender Burghley Arena on the final day of the world-famous Horse Trials since 2012.

SEIB have been providing expert insurance services for over 60 years.

Renowned for their specialist equestrian insurance, SEIB offers tailored cover for horses, horseboxes, trailers, riders, and equestrian businesses, ensuring comprehensive protection and peace of mind.