Gordon Elliott looking forward to Tiger Roll re-appearance
Summerhill man and top trainer Gordon Elliott is keen to target a historic third Randox Health Grand National triumph with Tiger Roll.
That was the story that emerged earlier today at the Weights Lunch at the historic St George's Hall in Liverpool.
The event was hosted by Ed Chamberlin of ITV Racing with connections of several leading contenders for the 2020
Randox Health Grand National present.
Tiger Roll has the chance to emulate the great Red Rum as a three-time winner of the Randox Health Grand National and, if successful, would become the first horse to do so in successive years.
Tiger Roll is set to reappear this Sunday in the Grade 2 Boyne Hurdle at Navan.
"If it is left down to me, Tiger Roll will definitely be running in the Randox Health Grand National," stated Elliott who scooped the Meath Sportsperson of the Year award in January.
"Tiger Roll is a household name and this is the most famous race in the world. I am very keen to run him.
"Tiger Roll is only 4lb worse off with the second horse from last year (Magic Of Light, 10st 12lb).
"Martin [Greenwood, handicapper] and his team have a job to do, and I respect everything that he does, I think Martin has done his job well.
"Tiger Roll will go for the Boyne Hurdle on Sunday. He has been back cantering since 1st January, so he will come on from the run.
"Cheltenham is the plan and then hopefully, with Michael O'Leary's (owner) blessing, the Randox Health Grand National.
"Tiger Roll is the horse of a lifetime. Everybody who comes into the yard, the first horse they want to see is Tiger Roll,
whether it's a 90-year-old man or 10-year-old child. We are very lucky to have him.
"The cut off to qualify for the Grand National is 16th March, so if Tiger Roll doesn't run at Cheltenham, it will be a
disaster as he won't be qualified.
"There is a may be a race in Down Royal the same week that he could be entered for, but all being well it will be Cheltenham."added the trainer.
SOME OF THE TOP TRAINERS AT THE LAUNCH TODAY
Aintree Grand National-winning trainers at the launch today included Oliver Sherwood (left), Gordon Elliott, Paul Nicholls, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Sue Smith, Jonjo O'Neill and Willie Mullins