Trainer Elliott outlines plans for hero Tiger Roll

DUAL Grand National hero Tiger Roll could start his season in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal on October 31.

The 10- year- old was denied the chance to join Red Rum as a three- time winner of the Aintree spectacular when it was cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Owned by Gigginstown House Stud, Tiger Roll was last seen finishing second in the cross- country chase at Cheltenham in March, with Easysland denying him a remarkable fifth success at the Festival.

Hopes are high he will be back at Liverpool in April, but trainer Gordon Elliott has his sights firmly set on another

Cheltenham victory as the first big aim.

However early season plans might hinge on the outcome of crucial political talks being held in Ireland last night over the possibility of a second nationwide lockdown – and what it would mean for racing.

Speaking on Betfair’s Racing Only Bettor Podcast, Elliott said: “It was a very rushed preparation to get him to Cheltenham last year and he got a little setback, as everyone knows.

“We got him to Cheltenham. He was very tired after Cheltenham.

“He was very tired. He had a hard race.

“The ground was probably softer than what he wanted that day.

“He was stiff and sore after the race.

“If you watch the re- run again, he loses his hind- end a little bit turning in, and he was sore.

“I think it might have been a blessing in disguise ( no Grand National run).

“He’s a fresh horse this year. He’s absolutely bouncing at the moment.

“I’m not sure where I’m going to start him off yet, but do you know, he’s definitely going to have an entry in Down Royal in the big chase.”

Asked about Cheltenham as the horse’s target, Elliott added: “It’s a big priority for me and he’ll be trained for Cheltenham, number one, and the Aintree Grand National, number two.”