Tiger Roll National bid in doubt after surgery

JUST days after Michael O’Leary ended speculation about Davy Russell losing the ride on Tiger Roll when he attempts to win three successive Grand Nationals, there is now a concern about the gelding running in the world’s most famous race.

The nine-year-old required surgery for a chip in a joint and will have to undergo a month’s box rest.

Eddie O’Leary, racing manager for his brother, said: “It’s more than a little bit of a setback, you can’t be a little bit pregnant, it’s a setback, unfortunately.

“He’s being operated on and hopefully they can suck it out. He should be back for Navan and the Boyne Hurdle in February after being in his box three or four weeks. We just need to get him sound before making plans.”

Tiger Roll became the first back-to-back

PARTNERS: Davy Russell will ride Tiger Roll when he returns winner of the Aintree spectacular since Red Rum (1973-74) and is hoping to make it an historic three Nationals on the bounce.

Red Rum won three Nationals, but not in succession.

As for the controversy over Russell losing the ride, O’Leary said: “If Tiger Roll goes for the National, I would be mad to look at anyone else other than Davy to ride him.”

In recent weeks, O’Leary has snubbed Russell.

“I ride a few for them this weekend,” said Russell. “I am now supposedly – ‘back in favour.’

“As I have said all along, there was never a falling out. “They use a big pool of very talented jockeys with no single retained first rider. “From my point of view, I’m just delighted to ride them when asked.”