Elliott’s parade of pride
GORDON Elliott and Tiger Roll were the toast of Summerhill yesterday as the Grand National heroes were treated to a rapturous welcome home. The Co Meath village was packed as the locals turned out to see Aintree hero Tiger Roll parade down the main street with stablemates Bless The Wings, who finished third on Saturday, and General Principle, who landed the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday.
‘It’s unbelievable and it’s only sinking in now when you get home and see all your family, friends and the crowd here in Summerhill,’ said a delighted Elliott, who was winning his second Grand National after Silver Birch in 2007.
‘It’s some buzz and it’ll be a long night!’
Looking back on the race itself, he said of the Davy Russell-ridden winner: ‘Two hundred yards out I thought we were home and hosed and we were going to hose up. In fairness, he’s only a small horse and in the last 50 or 100 yards he just hit a brick wall.
‘Thankfully the line came in time. I wasn’t sure he had won. It was just a feeling of relief and it’s great.
‘He’s been a super little horse to win at three Cheltenham Festivals and then come back and win an English National. I’m very proud of him.
‘We have good staff at home and Gerry Kelly the vet did a lot of work with him and also the physios. Everyone has done a great job with him.
‘The cross-country race [at Cheltenham] was my plan all year and after that I thought he had a nice weight in the English National and we said we’d have a go at it. He’s Keith’s [Donoghue] ride, but he couldn’t do the weight. He’ll probably be back on him at Cheltenham next March in the cross-country race.
‘If we could get back and win at Cheltenham, I’d be delighted. The chances of coming back and winning two Nationals are very slim.’
Winning jockey Davy Russell, meanwhile, was back on duty in Tramore where he continued his fine form by winning the first two races, the second of which was aboard Elliott’s Monatomic.
Tiger Roll is looked after at Elliott’s yard by Louise Dunne, who said: ‘It was amazing, something you dream about, just fantastic.
‘We stood over in the middle of the track, so we could see the big screen, and it was a good spot to watch it.
‘He’s unbelievable. Everyone goes on about his size, but I think it’s just all about his heart, he has just so much heart and leaves nothing behind.
‘He’s a star. He’s grumpy, but very lovable. He’s a little character. He’d let you know if he didn’t want you in the stable. He’s a funny, little quirky horse, but he’s lovely.’