TIGER ON A ROLL
GORDON ELLIOTT was “absolutely thrilled” by Tiger Roll’s return to action at Navan yesterday — and declared it “all systems go” for a shot at racing immortality.
The dual Grand National victor, having his first outing since his second Aintree triumph 316 days earlier, came home fifth under jockey Keith Donoghue in the Ladbrokes Ireland Boyne Hurdle, won by stablemate Cracking Smart and Davy Russell, carrying the second colours of Tiger Roll’s owner, Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary.
Now the 10-year-old will bid for a fifth success at the Cheltenham Festival — he has won the last two runnings of the Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase — before seeking to match Red Rum’s record of three National triumphs on April 4.
“I’m absolutely thrilled — I couldn’t be happier,” said Elliott, whose stable star received a hero’s welcome from a bumper crowd at the Co Meath venue.
“He jumped, Keith said he travelled everywhere — he pulled his arms out the whole way — and he thought after three out he was going to win.
“Down to the second-last, he just had a blow and he just rode him hands and heels to the line. “We knew that was going to happen — he’s only been back cantering since 1 January.
“I said if he beat one or two home, I’d be thrilled. I just wanted him home in one piece.
“Once he’s OK in the morning, it will be all systems go for Cheltenham, and then — all being well — the Randox Health Grand National.”
Ladbrokes left Tiger Roll unchanged as the 5-1 favourite for a history-making Grand National hat-trick — and Elliott added: “He finished fifth — but for me it was as good as winning.”