AGAR’S RHINOS JUGGLING ACT

Leeds chief has to shuffle his pack in bid to keep top- four pursuit on course

DUAL Grand National hero Tiger Roll finished sixth on his return to action on the Flat at Navan.

Having his first run without obstacles in his way since a maiden at Dundalk in March 2016, the Gordon Elliotttrained 10- year- old ran on pleasingly in the closing stages.

Perhaps it was to be expected he would be slowly out of the stalls and it was not long before his 16- year- old rider Sam Ewing was encouraging him to go a bit quicker.

After a furlong or two Ewing seemed content with how the Gigginstown House Studowned gelding was travelling, despite being detached from the main group.

With half a mile to run Tiger Roll got in touch with the opposition and while it was too much to ask for him to trouble those at the head of affairs given winner, Ilmig, is seven years his junior, he stuck to his task.

The popular chaser would no doubt have been happier to go round on another circuit, as the Flower Hill Maiden was run over a mile and three- quarters, but Elliott will have taken plenty of encouragement from the display.

Tiger Roll, victorious in the 2018 and 2019 Nationals, could run over fences at Down Royal next weekend as connections look forward to another tilt at the world’s greatest steeplechase.

Meanwhile Ribble Valley, one of the most exciting National Hunt prospects in the North, booked his ticket for the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle with a smooth success on his comeback at Carlisle under champion jockey Brian Hughes.

Nicky Richards has never disguised his admiration for the seven- year- old who oozed class on his return to the track. “That was lovely, he’ll come on a lot for that and Brian said it couldn’t have been nicer,” said the trainer.

“He’s been very heavy and took a bit of getting fit, so Brian just asked him to lengthen after the last, he thought he’d give him a blow.”

■ The British Horseracing Authority has announced that all attendees at behind closed doors race fixtures will be required to wear a face covering at all times from Monday.

Dr Jerry Hill, the BHA’s Chief Medical Adviser, said: “They provide an additional layer of infection control.”